Algeria
Country Spotlight
Algeria does not possess a nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons program. However, it has purchased multiple Iskander-E ballistic missile systems from Russia. During the 1960s, France conducted numerous nuclear weapons tests on Algerian territory. Algeria operates two nuclear research reactors and plans to construct nuclear power reactors.
See Algeria's performance in:
Region Middle East and North Africa
2 Nuclear research reactors operated by Algeria
17 Nuclear weapons tests conducted by France in Algerian desert
4 Iskander-E missile systems purchased from Russia
Nuclear
- Signed NPT as non-nuclear weapon state in 1995 and one of 1st countries to sign Treaty of Pelindaba
- Has major uranium reserves and plans to construct nuclear power reactors
- Fallout from French nuclear tests in Algeria in the 1960s contributes to tensions between the two countries as effects from nuclear radiation are still being felt by the local population
Tutorial on Nuclear Testing
Biological
- Unsubstantiated media reports in 2009 claim that Al Qaeda attempted to develop biological weapons in Algeria
- Possesses a limited dual-use biotechnology program
- Joined the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in 2001
Tutorial on Biological Weapons Nonproliferation
NTI Tutorials
Missile
- Purchased 4 Iskander-E tactical missile systems from Russia in 2013
- Tested Iskander-E system during military exercises in November 2020
- Not a member of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC)
Tutorial on Missiles and Other WMD Delivery Systems
Tutorial on Nuclear Testing
Chemical
- Active member of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
- Ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention in August 1995
- Does not possess a chemical weapons program
Tutorial on Chemical Weapons Nonproliferation
NTI Tutorials
Treaties and Regimes Memberships
Analysis
Algeria
Understanding the New Nuclear Weapons Ban
The implications of a UN treaty banning nuclear weapons.
Education Center