Algeria orders 12 Sukhoi Su-34 jets from Russia

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Algeria has placed an order for 12 Sukhoi-made Su-34 fighter-bombers from Russia as part of the country's effort to modernize its fleet.

The request comes after eight years of negotiations between Algeria and Russia, and believed to be part of a $7.5 billion arms deal signed by Algerian and Russian officials in 2006, which also included anti-missile systems and other defense equipment, according to Defense News.

"We have resumed talks on the sale of export Su-32 bombers to Algeria," Russian news source Vedomosti quoted Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association director general Sergey Smirnov as saying.

The Su-32 is the export version of the Su-34, and is designed for tactical deployment against air, ground and naval targets. Modifications include enhancements in electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Su-34 can operate for a range of 2,485 miles, and has a top speed of 1,367 miles per hour. The plane is armed with air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, cruise missiles, anti-radiation missiles and a 30mm GSh-301 canon. It can also be equipped with free-fall and guided bombs.