Russia's shadow fleet through Algeria into the Sahel

Defense News has mapped 167 Russian shadow fleet flights to Algeria and the transit of weapons to Mali, Niger and Conakry. We are tracking further instalments of the Shadow Airlines series, the intensity of Algiers–Niamey flights, reactions in Brussels and Paris, and the rivalry between Algiers and Rabat.

Actively tracking

0/6 fulfilled ⏳ 6 pending tracking since 30.4.2026 check by 8.11.2026

The article that started it

167 letov za rok do Alžírska. Moskva tam buduje logistickú bránu pre Africa Corps v Sahele

Defense News mapuje 167 nákladných letov ruskej tieňovej flotily do Alžírska. Krajina sa stáva tranzitným uzlom pre trasy do Guiney a Nigeru.

30.4.2026

What we are still watching

Further instalments of the Defense News "Shadow Airlines" series are published
An increase or decline in the frequency of flights between Algiers and Niamey (watch RA-82079 and other An-124s)
A public response from Brussels, Paris or French diplomacy to Algeria's role in the Russian logistics network
A worsening or escalation of relations between Algiers and Rabat in the context of Western Sahara
Algeria's defence ministry or the presidency responds to the investigation
Russia's Africa Corps moved in Niger from logistics to combat support for the junta — on August 29, 2026 it helped General Tiani retake a military base after an attempted coup (Spiegel, ANSA, Le Monde, France24). Watch whether this was one-off assistance or a standing combat presence.

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Russia's shadow fleet through Algeria into the Sahel

The article that started it

What we are still watching

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