"It is my understanding that the Algerian government is pursuing a significant military deal with outside suppliers, in this case, I believe, Russia," Assistant Secretary of State David Welch said. "I am not certain that we would share the Algerian government's understanding of the requirements of such purchases, given their defense needs."

"We would probably see their requirements as more modest," Welch told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 6.

At the same time, officials said, the State Department has assessed that Algeria would not exploit its military buildup against Morocco, a neighbor and rival. Algeria has been supporting the Polisario separatist group in the disputed Western Sahara, claimed by Morocco.

"We don't see any indication that they [Algeria] intend to use these weapons, if they purchase these weapons, in an offensive manner against their neighbors," Welch said.