Algeria
Country Spotlight
Algeria does not possess a nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons program. However, Algeria 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.
See Algeria's preformance 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 secret agreement with China in 1983 to receive 2nd reactor, causing international concern of potential weapons proliferation
- Signed NPT as non-nuclear weapon state in 1995 and one of 1st countries to sign Treaty of Pelindaba
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 and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) 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