Consequently, the readiness and operational availability of much of the air force's inventory is questionable. Little has been seen of the air force since five Albanian fighters took off from Albania's main bases at Rinas, Gadjar and Kucova during NATO maneuvers over Albania and Macedonia in 1998. Administered by the army, most of the air force's fixed and rotary winged aircraft are Chinese copies of Russian designs. Aircraft Type No. Algeria has a requirement for up to 12 maritime surveillance aircraft .
Political considerations are likely to mean only European solutions are considered.
Algeria was a client state of the Soviet Union. Its collapse and the subsequent withdrawal of technical personnel, as well as internal unrest following the cancellation of elections, have affected the air force's capabilities. Aircraft Type No. The Angolan air force was engaged throughout the 20 year conflict, initially with heavy support from Cuba. Aircraft Type No.