Traditionally the most effective air arm in the Maghreb, the Algerian Air Force (al Quwwat al Jawwiya al Jaza'eriya) suffered as a result of the withdrawal of Soviet bloc assistance and had to adapt to new realities from 1992 in the campaign against Islamist insurgent groups. Modernisation of the Soviet-era helicopter fleet in the 21st century, including the addition of night vision capability, has been a recognition of this challenge, as has air mobility in general.Although still mostly equipped with systems of Soviet design and having recently taken delivery of the formidable Sukhoi Su-30MKA multi-role fighter from Russia, Algeria is looking increasingly towards Europe, the US and South Africa for future support. With the decline in Islamist violence and growing US interest in the Maghreb and Sahara regions, Algeria now looks to be in a position to embark on a new relationship with Western nations and modernise its armed forces in the process. This may well result in the acquisition of new combat aircraft, with Algeria reported in late 2009 to be considering the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Saab JAS 39 Gripen NG and Dassault Rafale to satisfy this emerging requirement. Algeria is also considering adding an airborne early warning and control capability, with the Saab Erieye and Boeing 737AEW&C potential candidates to undertake this role.Algeria's air inventory is fairly well suited to counter-insurgency operations, with an abundance of attack/assault and transport helicopters, including the Advanced Technologies Engineering Mi-24 Mk III 'Super Hind'. Upgrades of the current Mi-17 fleet to
