Algeria Expands Its Fleet with the Arrival of a Second Russian Be-200ChS Amphibious Aircraft: A Leap Forward in Aerial Prowess
Algeria has successfully obtained its second Be-200ES amphibious aircraft produced at the Taganrog aviation scientific and technical complex named after G.M. Beriev.
On December 12, 2024, the Be-200ES amphibious aircraft, registered in Algeria as 7T-VPN, exhibited a striking white and green color scheme adorned with the insignia of the Algerian Air Force, and departed from Taganrog, heading towards Algeria.
This event marks the second aircraft developed at TANTK for an African country as part of a contract to supply four Be-200ES aircraft in an export configuration (Be-200ES) for the Algerian Ministry of National Defense. The agreement was established in 2021 and encompasses the option for two additional units.
Algeria opted for the Russian aircraft even before its real-world evaluation. In 2022, Algeria procured one amphibious aircraft on lease from Russia, which was vital in combating wildfires that impacted 13 regions throughout the nation.
According to previously announced information, the Algerian Defense Ministry plans to assign two aircraft to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, whereas the other two will be allocated to the nation’s Navy, aimed at transporting personnel and essential supplies. It is still unclear if the option for two more aircraft will be activated. The manufacturing process is experiencing delays; initially, Algeria was expected to receive the second amphibious plane following the first in 2023, with two additional units slated for 2024. By the end of the year, however, Algeria has only taken delivery of the second aircraft.
It’s crucial to emphasize that the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations is anticipating two aircraft as outlined in the agreement signed in December 2020. The first unit has been completed for Algeria, while work on the second continues, with significant focus on fulfilling the international contract.
