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Business Insider
09-08-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Russia's advanced Su-34M strike fighters could be headed to Africa in new deal
New evidence suggests that Algeria may soon acquire Russia's advanced Su-34M strike fighter, a move that would significantly boost the North African nation's aerial combat capabilities and strategic reach. Algeria is likely to acquire Russia's advanced Su-34M fighter jets to enhance its aerial combat capabilities. New footage reveals these jets, painted in a desert camouflage, possibly produced for Algeria's operational environment. Reports suggest Algeria signed contracts in 2019 for multiple Russian aircraft, including Su-34Ms, Su-57Es, and Su-35Es. Fresh footage from Russia confirms a small batch of Su-34Ms in an export configuration, supporting earlier reports of a signed contract between Moscow and a foreign client. According to Military Watch Magazine, the appearance of these desert-toned aircraft ' strongly indicates that the first batch of Su-34Ms for a foreign client is already in production.' While Algeria and North Korea are both considered potential buyers, the distinctive desert brown-and-yellow camouflage, an export-only scheme, aligns closely with Algeria's operational environment and procurement history. Back in December 2019, Algerian defense publications reported the signing of multiple agreements with Moscow for a combined total of 42 aircraft—14 Su-34MEs, 14 Su-57Es, and 14 Su-35Es—with deliveries initially scheduled for completion by 2025. Given these contracts, Algeria is widely speculated to be the recipient of the recently spotted newly produced Su-34M fighter-bombers, which have appeared in satellite and open-source imagery. Defence Blog reports that the recent sighting suggests possible progress on long-delayed defense export contracts between Russia and Algeria. Su-34M to boost Algeria's defence capability Russia's decision to move forward with the export comes despite heavy domestic demand for the aircraft in Ukraine, where the Su-34M has been used with devastating effect since early 2023, particularly in deploying precision-guided glide bombs. The Novosibirsk Aircraft Plant has reportedly doubled production since 2022, enabling the fulfilment of both domestic and foreign orders. If confirmed, the acquisition would see the Su-34M replace Algeria's aging Su-24M strike fighters. Analysts note that the Su-34M is competitively priced at under $10 million per unit, aided by favourable ruble exchange rates, making it a cost-effective yet highly capable replacement with similar operational expenses. Egypt and Sudan, both operators of the Su-24M, are seen as potential future buyers. However, Egypt's previous interest in acquiring new classes of Russian fighters stalled after its purchase of MiG-29M jets, due to threats of Western sanctions. Algeria, by contrast, has the financial capacity, long-standing defence ties with Moscow, and a consistent track record as one of the top importers of Russian military aircraft. The Su-34M represents a major leap in capability over its predecessor, offering nearly double the combat potential. It features advanced avionics, enhanced electronic warfare systems, reduced frontal radar cross section, and compatibility with next-generation weaponry such as the Kh-59MK2 cruise missile. Its high endurance and missile range would enable Algeria to project power far beyond North Africa, potentially reaching targets as far as the Persian Gulf or central Europe. If finalised, the deal would make Algeria the first export customer for the Su-34M, solidifying its position as the most heavily armed air force in Africa. It would also underscore Moscow's growing defence footprint on the continent, as Algeria continues to invest in maintaining a technological edge over its regional rivals.
News18
28-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Israel Iran War 'US Used Up Its 20% Stock To Support Israel' Trump Netanyahu THAAD
The United States spent a total of 15 to 20 percent of its advanced anti-missile system Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to strengthen defence against Iran's airstrikes during the 12-day conflict this month, which erupted after Israel launched a surprise attack on Tehran. According to Military Watch Magazine, between 60 to 80 THAAD interceptors were used during the conflict. A single launch of a THAAD interceptor costs between USD 12 million to 15 million (Rs 102 crore to 128 crore; as per today's exchange rate), which means the entire cost of the usage of these interceptors during the recent conflict falls between USD 810 million to USD 1.215 billion. News18 Mobile App -
Indian Express
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
America burned over $1 billion in defending Israel — for a war it wasn't in. Can it afford the next one?
The United States may have used up between 15 to 20 per cent of its globally deployed arsenal of advanced THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) interceptors during the 12-day Israel-Iran war, a rate of consumption that experts warn is unsustainable in the event of prolonged or multi-front conflicts. According to Military Watch Magazine, an estimated 60–80 THAAD interceptors were fired between June 13 – June 24 as part of the US-led defence effort against Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities and nuclear sites. While only 39 launches were captured on video, wartime censorship likely prevented many more from being filmed. Analysts believe these launches accounted for just over half the total number used. Each THAAD interceptor costs between $12 million and $15 million, meaning the operation likely cost US taxpayers between $810 million and $1.215 billion. That figure dwarfs the cost of Iran's offensive, underlining the long-standing problem of asymmetric costs in missile defence warfare. The Pentagon currently fields seven THAAD systems across five air defence regiments, with an eighth set to be operational by the end of 2025. Given that the US produces only 50–60 interceptors annually, the 12-day war wiped out more than a year's worth of production — raising alarm bells in Washington, especially with THAAD batteries also deployed in South Korea, Guam, and Hawaii to deter other adversaries such as North Korea and China. Military Watch noted that Iran fired its missiles at a 'modest' rate, well below its full capabilities, possibly to avoid escalation or preserve capacity in case of deeper US involvement. Tehran also refrained from deploying missiles with multiple warheads. Despite this, US interceptor stockpiles took a heavy hit, even with significant support from Israel's Arrow, Barak 8, and US Navy Aegis destroyers equipped with SM-3 missiles. Experts say if Iran had chosen to escalate or sustain its bombardment beyond 12 days, the THAAD battery would likely have been overwhelmed or rendered ineffective, even in a setting as fortified as Israel. That has grave implications for future large-scale wars, particularly in the Indo-Pacific where the US expects to confront far more advanced and numerous missile threats from China or North Korea. THAAD was first deployed abroad in 2009 to Hawaii, followed by Guam in 2013 and South Korea in 2016. With Russia's fielding of the Oreshnik IRBM and its reported sharing of North Korean-made missiles with Belarus, calls are growing for THAAD to be deployed in Europe as well.
News18
28-06-2025
- Business
- News18
US Used Upto 20% THAAD Missiles Worth $ 1 Bn In 11 Day Israel-Iran Conflict
Last Updated: A major concern is that the US produces only around 50–60 THAAD interceptors each year, meaning it would take roughly a full year to replenish the number used in just 11 days. The United States used approximately 15-20 per cent of its global stock of THAAD missiles during Israel's conflict with Iran that lasted 11 days, reported Military Watch Magazine. The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system is designed to shoot down medium- and long-range ballistic missiles before they reach their targets. According to the report, about 60 to 80 THAAD interceptors were reportedly launched to defend Israeli airspace during the conflict between June 13 and 24. The cost of each launch was estimated between USD 12 and USD 15 million, and it may have cost America nearly USD 1 billion in total. Despite being used alongside other powerful Israeli systems like Arrow and Barak 8, plus support from nearby US Navy ships, a large number of expensive THAAD missiles were fired in a short time. What becomes a concern is that the United States manufactures only 50-60 THAAD interceptors annually, meaning that it would take the country a year to produce what it lost in just 11 days. Another concern is that if future conflicts involve more advanced missiles or last longer, THAAD might struggle to keep up. This raises serious questions about whether the system is sustainable or cost-effective in the long run. First Published:
NDTV
28-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
US Spent $800 Million In THAAD Missiles In 12 Days To Shield Israel From Iran
The United States used up a total of 15 to 20 per cent of the country's advanced anti-missile system or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to bolster the defence against Iran's aerial strikes during the 12-day conflict in which Israel and the US struck nuclear facilities. According to Military Watch Magazine, an estimate of 60-80 interceptors were utilised during the conflict. A single launch of a THAAD interceptor costs between $12-15 million, so the entire cost of these interceptors sits between $810 million to $1.215 billion. This figure dwarfs the cost of Iran's missile barrages. This asymmetric cost of defence versus offence is not sustainable in the long term or multi-front conflicts. Per the Wall Street Journal, the US had restocked the THAAD system set up in Israel in 2024. Iran had launched a barrage of missiles on cities across Israel in response to attacks on its nuclear and military facilities. They included models such as Ghadr, Emad, Kheibar Shekan, and the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile, which is hard to intercept as it travels at up to Mach 15. The THAAD deployment to Israel came with challenges as supporting allies in conflict zones would mean using resources that could affect military readiness and future deployment. The THAAD system was designed to counter the expanding missile capabilities of nations like North Korea and Iran as they were pursuing medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles capable of delivering conventional or nuclear warheads. Moreover, the United States produces only about 50-60 THAAD interceptors annually, which means it could take years to replenish what it just expended in 11 days. The war between Israel and Iran came to an end after US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that a "complete and total ceasefire" had been reached by both the parties. In the end, the US-Israel campaign has managed to contain, not defeat, Iran. Nuclear sites were hit. Military leadership was shaken. But Iran's regime, and its nuclear ambition, remain intact.
