Algerian authorities have proposed to increase defense spending from $10 billion in 2022 to $23 billion in 2023, a 130% increase
Algerian and Italian military officials agreed to deepen ties between the two countries defense industries during a bilateral meeting on Monday (December 5th).
Italian officials have said they are ready to support Algeria in any future acquisition of Italian-made military equipment, which could also involve sharing industrial technologies and know-how.
Agreements of this type have become increasingly important for Algeria since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Between 2017 and 2021, more than 80% of arms imports into Algeria came from Russia, ahead of Germany with more than 6% and France with just under 4%.
However, Algeria is under increasing pressure to stop or reduce its Russian arms imports.
In October, more than a dozen American lawmakers called for sanctions against Algeria because of its continued military exchanges with Russia.
Military exercises
In November, foreign media including the Russian agency Sputnik announced the holding of joint land military exercises between the Algerian and Russian armies in Algeria. But these exercises did not take place, indicated the ENTV, the official Algerian TV, citing the Ministry of National Defense.
According to Zine Ghebouli, an analyst specializing in Algeria and a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Glasgow, “given the role of the Algerian armed forces and the geopolitical and regional situations [the tense situation in Western Sahara ], acquisitions in the field of defense are now – and more than ever – considered a priority”.
While the war in Ukraine has complicated Algeria’s relations with Russia, the resulting rise in gas and oil prices has ‘significantly increased revenues’ for Algiers, an analyst tells Middle East Eye.
“This now provides more leeway for additional expenses that weren’t possible before,” he says.
Algeria continues to benefit greatly from the standoff between Russia and the West. The country’s oil and gas revenue rose more than 70% to $21.5 billion in the first five months of 2022, from $12.6 billion in the same period last year.
Not short of cash, the Algerian authorities have proposed to increase spending in the defense sector from $10 billion in 2022 to $23 billion in 2023, an increase of 130%.
Towards knowledge transfer
Algeria could, however, find it difficult to wean itself off its military link with Russia.
“Despite the efforts made by the Algerian authorities to move away from the Russian defense industry, it could be difficult for it to receive the same preferential treatment as that granted by the Russians”, underlines Zine Ghebouli.
It is unclear to what extent Russia will be able to service and maintain the equipment sold to Algeria, given its focus on Ukraine and its need to replenish the large stockpile of lost equipment.
As Algeria seeks to sound out other countries for potential military acquisitions, Zine Ghebouli warns the learning curve could be steep for the country’s military.
“We can wonder if European or American companies in the defense sector will be able to sell their weapons to Algeria without the famous end-user license agreement which until now allowed Algiers to use the weapons as it pleases. “says Zine Ghebouli.
Many Western military companies impose limits on who and where to use their military hardware through end-user license agreements, a requirement that Russia largely avoids.
“I think it is more likely that the negotiations will lead to a significant transfer of knowledge rather than large-scale arms sales,” said Zine Ghebouli about the content of meetings such as the one organized Monday between Algeria and Italy.
“Russia should remain Algeria’s main arms supplier in the short and medium term. »
Translated from English ( original ) by VECTranslation.
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