Algeria Welcomes Its Second Russian Be-200ChS Amphibious Aircraft: A Step Towards Enhanced Aerial Capabilities
Algeria has acquired the second Be-200ES amphibious plane manufactured at the Taganrog aviation scientific and technical complex named after G.M. Beriev.
On December 12, 2024, the Be-200ES amphibious plane, registered in Algeria as 7T-VPN, showcased a white and green livery along with the insignia of the customer nation’s Air Force, and departed from Taganrog bound for Algeria.
This marks the second aircraft crafted at TANTK for an African nation as part of a contract to deliver four Be-200ES aircraft in an export model (Be-200ES) for the Algerian Ministry of National Defense. The contract was formalized in 2021 and includes a provision for two additional aircraft.
Algeria selected the Russian aircraft even prior to its field testing. In 2022, Algeria secured one amphibious aircraft on lease from Russia, which proved invaluable in battling wildfires that affected 13 regions across the country.
As per previously shared updates, the Algerian Ministry of Defense intends to allocate two aircraft for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, while the remaining two will be designated for the nation’s Navy, aimed at transporting personnel and supplies. It remains uncertain whether the option for two additional aircraft will be exercised. The aircraft’s production is lagging; originally, Algeria was anticipated to take delivery of the second amphibious plane following the first in 2023, with two more due in 2024. By the year’s end, however, Algeria has only received the second aircraft.
It is important to highlight that the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations awaits two aircraft as per the agreement established in December 2020. The initial unit has been finalized for Algeria, while work on the second is ongoing, with full focus directed towards the foreign contract.
