Algeria Deploys Four Su-30 Fighter Jets to Republic of Niger Following Coup Attempt

Algeria has deployed four Su-30 fighter jets and an Il-78 aerial refueling tanker to Niger to support the country’s armed forces following an attempted military coup in the capital, Niamey.

This was reported by the Algerian Ministry of National Defence.

The decision was made following a request for assistance from the Nigerien authorities. The Algerian aircraft arrived at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on the morning of August 30.

The Algerian military said it had deployed two patrol groups comprising four Su-30 fighter jets to support the Nigerien army and counter the attempted destabilization of the country.

The aircraft were accompanied by an Il-78 aerial tanker, which provides in-flight refueling for the fighter jets.

NEW: Algeria deployed four Su-30MKA fighter jets and an Il-78 tanker to Niger today after an attempted mutiny in Niamey.

The mission, requested by Nigerien authorities, was presented as a show of military support and appears to mark Algeria’s first known overseas Su-30… pic.twitter.com/iIJVwEsVJg

— Clash Report (@clashreport) August 30, 2026

Before landing in Niamey, the fighter jets conducted a flyover of the capital. Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine personally met the crews and thanked Algeria for its military support.

This marks a notable overseas deployment of Su-30 fighter jets for Algeria. It is the first known instance of Algerian fighters of this type being relocated to another country.

At the same time, Algeria’s official statement does not characterize the operation as a combat use of aircraft and contains no information about them carrying out strike missions.

The redeployment of the fighter jets came amid an attempted coup that began on August 29. A group of soldiers attacked key sites in Niamey, including Base 101 at the international airport and areas near the presidential palace.

Gunfire and explosions continued in the capital for several hours.

According to available information, military units from the country’s southwestern regions of Ouallam, Téra, and Dosso were involved in the assault.

Units from these regions have suffered significant losses over an extended period in fighting against a local branch of the Islamic State terrorist organization.

Despite the military leadership’s promises to stabilize the security situation, the country continues to suffer attacks by groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.