Algeria did not cancel arms contracts with Russia, says Defense Ministry

Contracts concluded by Algeria with Russian associate are being implemented by both sides in accordance with contractual clauses, according to an authorized source from Algerian national defense ministry.

“Algerian military cooperation with the Russian associate continues within respect of the two countries’ mutual interests on the basis of traditional friendship relations,” said the same source.

This statement comes to deny what has been recently reported by Russian media on conflicts between Algeria and Russia on military aircrafts delivery.

Earlier, Russian newspapers said Moscow had postponed deliveries of Su-30MKI fighter jets to Algeria over non-payment.

This statement also comes after Russia’s Airkot said new warplanes had been delivered to Algeria within debts cancellation agreement.

 Russian press also reported that Algeria had stopped payment in terms of its military contracts with Moscow   while the defense ministry is denying that.

On the other hand, Airkot said on Monday that it delivered two multi-service fighter jets to Algeria’s National Popular Army.

 It added that the aircrafts had been tested before delivery to avoid what happened with the Mig-15 aircrafts when Algeria returned them to Russia over “inferior quality” of certain components and units.