Russia Expands Air Logistics Network to Support Forces in Africa's Sahel Region Between January 2025 and July 2026, Russia has deployed a covert network of military and private aircraft to sustain its operations in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. According to an analysis by the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS), at least 75 flights linked to Russian state-aligned forces were conducted during this period. The network leverages a mix of sanctioned and unsanctioned operators, including the Russian defense ministry-controlled Flight Unit 224, which is already under U.S. sanctions, as well as private carriers such as Sapsan Airlines and Liz Aviation. These flights utilize staging points in Syria, Libya, Turkey, and the UAE to bypass international scrutiny and maintain supply lines for Russian military personnel and equipment in the Sahel region. The logistics system mirrors Russia’s well-documented maritime “shadow fleet,” which has been used to transport sanctioned oil exports. Instead of relying solely on state assets, Moscow employs a combination of military operators, government agencies, and private airlines to obscure its activities. State aircraft frequently transit through Russian-controlled bases in Syria and Libya, while private carriers use commercial hubs in Turkey, Algeria, and the UAE. This dual approach allows Russia to sustain its military presence in Africa while evading direct attribution to state actors. Libya has emerged as a critical node in this network. Russian forces are reportedly funding and equipping six air bases across central, eastern, and southern Libya. These sites are being refurbished to support Russian aircraft, air defense systems, drones, and personnel. The Washington-based Africa Defense Forum, citing data from the U.S.#libya #russia #center_for_advanced_defense_studies #flight_unit_224 #sapsan_airlines
