Algeria has released rare footage of its Kilo-class submarines operating in the Mediterranean and firing a cruise missile.
The display highlights the growing strength of the Algerian Navy as the country increases its military spending.
Footage published by Algerian state media showed naval personnel loading weapons onto a submarine before it headed to sea and launched a cruise missile.
Algeria showcases Kilo-class submarines
Algeria operates six Russian-built Kilo-class submarines.
The country acquired its first two in the late 1980s. Two Improved Kilo submarines followed in 2010, with another two arriving in 2018.
The Improved Kilo submarines can carry cruise missiles, torpedoes and mines.
Their capabilities allow them to target ships, submarines and land-based targets.
Algeria is Africa’s biggest military spender
The naval display comes as Algeria continues to invest heavily in its armed forces.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Algeria spent $25.4 billion on its military in 2025.
That made it Africa’s largest military spender and placed it 20th globally. Military spending represented 8.8 percent of Algeria’s GDP.
Algeria holds major underwater advantage
Egypt has Africa’s largest submarine fleet by number, with about eight vessels.
Algeria follows with six Kilo and Improved Kilo-class submarines. South Africa operates three German-designed Type 209/1400 vessels.
Algeria’s fleet stands out because of the stealth and missile capabilities of its Improved Kilo submarines.
This gives the country significant undersea capabilities in the Mediterranean.
North African military competition grows
The display also comes amid continued military modernisation across North Africa.
Algeria and Morocco have both invested in fighter jets, drones, air defence systems and precision weapons.
However, Morocco does not currently operate submarines, giving Algeria an advantage in undersea warfare.