A recently published Russian public tender discreetly confirmed a major acquisition for the Algerian Navy: the purchase of at least five BK‑16E fast patrol boats, designed for special operations and coastal defense.

Published on August 4, 2025, on the Russian Rostender platform, the tender concerns the supply of radio-navigation systems for BK‑16E-type units. The breakdown of the documents leaves little doubt: the equipment is listed in five separate lots, strongly suggesting five vessels destined for Algeria. Until now, no official announcement had confirmed this order. This is therefore the first open-source confirmation of the upcoming integration of these units into the Algerian fleet.

This purchase marks a significant upgrade for the Algerian naval forces, which already operate BK‑10M boats for rapid troop deployment. With the BK‑16E, Algeria is investing in a more versatile, better-armed model with enhanced range and transport capabilities.

A Boat Designed for Special Operations

The BK‑16E is the export version of the Russian BK‑16 fast assault craft, developed by Rybinsk Shipyard, a subsidiary of the Kalashnikov Group. Designed for coastal, river, and port environments, it is ideally suited for special operations forces.

Primary missions:
– Insertion and extraction of commandos
– Littoral patrols and port surveillance
– Amphibious landing support
– Anti-sabotage and anti-piracy missions
– Casualty evacuation and hostage recovery

Technical Specifications

A Continuously Modernizing Fleet

Algeria continues the steady modernization of its naval forces. In recent years, it has diversified its suppliers (China, Russia, Italy) while strengthening domestic expertise. The selection of the BK‑16E confirms the ongoing Russian orientation for key segments of its fleet, particularly for high-readiness operations.

In a regional context marked by persistent tensions in the western Mediterranean, and the fight against smuggling and armed groups in coastal Sahelian areas, these new patrol boats offer valuable rapid response capabilities.

This low-profile acquisition contrasts with its strategic importance. The BK‑16E is poised to become, in the medium term, one of the main rapid intervention tools of the Algerian Navy. Faster, better-armed, and with greater autonomy than the BK‑10M, it strengthens Algeria’s ability to secure its coasts and deploy special forces across its shoreline.

Sources

– https://rostender.info/tendery-suda-i-ih-chasti-sudovoe-snabjenie?utm_source=chatgpt.com
– https://kalashnikovgroup.ru/catalog/sudostroenie/rybinskaya-verf/katera-spetsialnogo-naznacheniya/bk-16e?utm_source=chatgpt.com
– https://www.military.africa/2022/03/russian-made-bk-16e-boat-features-in-st-petersburgs-exhibition/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
– https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Десантные_катера_проекта_02510?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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