November 9, 2025, 6:02 pm
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Most of the time on this channel, we focus on military developments in Europe or Asia. but the global surge in military spending since 2022 is also playing out in Africa.
There, Algeria deserves particular mention, more than doubling expenditure since 2021 to cement it’s place (by no small margin) as Africa’s most expensive military and one of the most important remaining customers for Russian arms exports.
By some estimates, In 2025, Algeria may end up dedicating more of its budget to the military during peacetime, than Russia is during wartime – with reported procurement plans stretching all the way to Russian 5th generation fighters.
It’s a move that is driving massive fiscal deficits and which raises massive questions, especially in the context of Algeria’s comparatively opaque approach to military procurement:
– What is Algiers planning to spend the money on? Why now? How will the region respond and can the Algerian economy sustain the effort?
So, for the first time for a nation study on this channel, welcome to North Africa.
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/c/PerunAU
Reading and Sourcing (partial due to late release):
Unless otherwise noted – platform counts are per MB2024
Unless otherwise noted – Economic figures per IMF data)
(e.g. https://www.imf.org/external/datamapper/profile/DZA
Unemployment figures per ILO estimates (via World Bank Data)
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.1524.ZS?end=2024&locations=DZ&start=2014
SIPRI — Preparing for a fourth year of War: Military spending in Russia’s budget for 2025
https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/preparing_for_a_fourth_year_of_war-military_spending_in_russias_budget_for_2025_1.pdf
Algeria cuts diplomatic relations with Morocco
https://www.reuters.com/world/algeria-says-cutting-diplomatic-ties-with-morocco-2021-08-24/
Reporting on Algerian20226 budget
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/algeria-eyes-35-cut-budget-deficit-2026-despite-record-spending-plan-2025-10-08/
Russian media on claim Algeria has shown off S-400 systems
https://en.sputniknews.africa/20250531/1073698417.html
Algerian T-62 based engineering vehicle
https://www.armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/defence-security-industry-technology/algerian-army-unveils-new-mine-clearing-engineering-vehicle-based-on-soviet-t-62-tank-chassis
Morocco declares national holiday over Western Sahara vote
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/morocco-declares-national-holiday-mark-un-resolution-western-sahara-2025-11-04/
U.S. Energy Information Administration – Country Analysis Brief: Algeria
https://www.eia.gov/international/content/analysis/countries_long/Algeria/algeria.PDF
Caveats & Comments:
All normal caveats and comments apply. In particular – I note that this material has been created for entertainment purposes and is not intended to be a complete examination of the topic and should not be relied upon to inform financial or other any other views and/or decisions.
Any content relating to the conduct, views, activities or any aspect of any person or character in this video is included for entertainment purposes and does not represent an assertion of fact on those matters or any matters in relation to that person or character.
Care has been taken in compiling data, quotes, and other inputs from various sources but errors can occur. Quotes and included data should be considered illustrative, not definitive and their veracity should not be relied on.
As noted in the video, I received some benefits from the host organisation (coffee and food) but did not receive compensation for travel costs, accommodation, or time spent at the event. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 — Opening Words
00:01:53 — What Am I Talking About?
00:04:11 — History & Strategic Context
00:16:45 — the Army
00:26:51 — the Navy
00:30:18 — the Airforce
00:35:12 — the Expansion
00:45:53 — the So What
00:48:11 — Sustainability & Dynamics
00:59:02 — What Next?
00:59:40 — Channel Update
Content Creator – Perun
