Algerian SU-30 fighter jets, aerial refueling tanker land in Niger as allies rally behind junta after coup attempt

Four Algerian Sukhoi SU-30 fighter jets, an Ilyushin IL-76 military transport aircraft and an Ilyushin IL-78 aerial refuelling tanker landed at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on Sunday, August 30, according to Nigerien reports.

The deployment came just one day after Nigerien forces, backed by Russian Africa Corps personnel, regained control of the strategic airbase following an attempted coup.

Niger’s authorities described the Algerian mission as a demonstration of “strategic support” from the Algerian Armed Forces to their Nigerien counterparts.

According to Niger Fr (@NigerAr), an Alliance of Sahel States (AES)-focused account on X, the aircraft were received in Niamey by Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, Defence Minister General Salifou Mody, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Major General Moussa Salaou Barmou and other senior military officials.

The arrival also follows Algeria’s delivery of four helicopters to Niger earlier in August — two Mi-171 transport helicopters and two Mi-24 attack helicopters — signalling a rapidly deepening military relationship between the two neighbours.

The Algerian deployment comes after Niger faced one of its most serious internal security challenge since the 2023 coup that brought General Abdourahamane Tiani to power.

On August 29, mutinous soldiers attacked Base 101 at Diori Hamani International Airport, one of the most strategically important military installations in the capital. Gunfire and explosions were also reported around the presidential palace and Niger’s state broadcaster.

The mutineers briefly gained control of parts of the airbase and attempted to expand the rebellion, but loyalist forces eventually pushed them back and restored control after nearly 24 hours of fighting. Dozens of soldiers were subsequently reported killed or arrested.

What made the episode particularly significant was who Niger called for assistance.

Business Insider Africa reported that Russia’s Africa Corps emerged as a key actor in the attempted coup, helping Niger’s loyalist forces retake the strategic base where the Russian contingent is headquartered.

Russian Ambassador to Niger Viktor Voropaev said Nigerien authorities requested help from Russia’s Africa Corps to neutralise the mutineers. Russian personnel subsequently supported Nigerien forces in the operation, with Nigerien military commanders later visiting the Africa Corps base to thank its personnel for their assistance.

The intervention provides perhaps the clearest demonstration yet of the security role Moscow has assumed in Niger since the junta broke with France and moved away from its former Western military partners.