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.

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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 regiments 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
Signed a pact with Russian company Rosatom in March 2024 to assist development in the areas of peaceful nuclear energy, research reactors, and the nuclear fuel cycle

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

Missile

Received 4 Iskander-E tactical ballistic missile regiments from Russia between 2014 and 2017
Tested Iskander-E system during military exercises in November 2020
Not a member of the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC)

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

Treaties and Regimes Memberships

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Pelindaba Treaty

The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone (ANWFZ) Treaty of Pelindaba established the African continent as a Nuclear-Weapons-Free-Zone.

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Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) bans the use, possession, testing, and transfer of nuclear weapons under international law.

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NPT

The NPT is a treaty aimed at limiting the spread of nuclear weapons through the three pillars of non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear energy.

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Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty bans all nuclear explosion tests on Earth. It needs eight key countries to ratify before entry into force.

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