Algeria shifts naval alliance from Russia to China's fleet
The Algerian Ministry of Defence has announced a plan to begin constructing Chinese Type 056 corvettes in local shipyards, thus abandoning the long-negotiated contract to purchase Russian Project 22380 missile corvettes.
The Chinese corvette was built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group, one of the leading shipbuilders in the world. At present, the 056 corvette is among the most modern warships in Africa. Algeria plans to acquire six more units, with at least one to be built in a local shipyard.
To achieve this, Algeria has started expanding the shipyard in Annaba in collaboration with Italy. Upon completion, the shipyard will be capable of producing corvette-class warships with a hull length of up to 50 metres.
Russia loses market
Russia has been attempting for years to sell its warships to Algeria, offering, among others, Vasily Bykov-class Project 22160 corvettes and Project 22380 corvettes with Kh-35 missiles. However, the Chinese ships have gained the upper hand, which is a significant setback for Russia, as it considered Algeria a loyal client.
China is rapidly capturing the arms market in Algeria, offering, among other things, YJ-12B cruise missiles, CH-4 and WJ-700 drones, WM-80 rocket artillery systems, and HQ-9B air defence systems. Algeria is also contemplating the purchase of Chinese VT-4 tanks.
Cooperation with China
The shift in trading partner is noteworthy, given that over 85% of the equipment in the Algerian army originates from Russia.
Algeria is still finalising a purchase of the Su-57 fighter jet from Russia. In the past, it has also acquired Project 877 and 636.6 submarines.
