African air forces seem to have found a favorite in the Russian SU-30.  The SU-30 is an all-weather multirole aircraft capable of doing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The SU-30 was introduced in 1996.  It has a service ceiling of 56,800 ft, has a 3,000 km range, and costs about $37 million each.  In mission it is comparable to the U.S. F-15E.

African countries such as Uganda, Algeria and Angola have chosen to upgrade their air forces with the SU-30.  In addition, Ethiopia and Eritrea both fly the SU-27, from which the SU-30 was derived.

Breaking the pattern of buying Russian, South Africa is flying Swedish JAS-39's, while Egypt has opted for the advanced French Rafale. 

It's clear that African countries are upgrading air combat capabilities.  The question that remains is why?  Is there an air war brewing in Africa??? 

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