US and Europe concerned as Russia builds ‘air shadow fleet’ across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to expand its military reach

At least 75 flights linked to Russian state-aligned military forces travelled to or from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger between January 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026, according to an analysis by the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS).

The flights supported Russia’s Africa Corps, which replaced the Wagner Group in parts of the continent and has become a key part of Moscow’s expanding security ties with military-led governments in the Sahel.

Burkina Faso recorded the highest flight activity during the period, followed by Mali, while Niger registered only a small number of identified flights.

According to C4ADS, Burkina Faso frequently served as an intermediate logistics stop between Mali and Niger, helping explain the higher traffic.

The network follows a model similar to Russia’s maritime shadow fleet, which uses tankers, intermediaries and companies to keep Russian oil moving despite Western sanctions.

Similarly, Moscow is using military operators, government agencies and private carriers to maintain supply routes into Africa.

Flight Unit 224, a Russian Defence Ministry-controlled carrier already under US sanctions, was the most active operator identified.

Other operators included Russia’s Special Flight Squadron and Ministry for Emergency Situations, as well as Sapsan Airlines and Liz Aviation.

A 2026 assessment linked to the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Tearline initiative identified construction and refurbishment at Al-Khadim, Al-Jufra, Tamanhint, Matan al-Sarra, Al-Qardabiyah and Brak al-Shati.

The work includes upgrades to runways, hangars, barracks and other facilities capable of supporting aircraft, drones, air defence systems and troops.

The expanding aviation network is also drawing scrutiny and concern from the United States and Europe.

In May 2026, US Africa Command warned Congress that Moscow was expanding its presence across Africa through forces including Africa Corps, particularly in North Africa and the Sahel.

AFRICOM said “Russia exploits instability to advance its objectives” and deploys Africa Corps to the region “to secure access to critical resources.”

Washington has already sanctioned Flight Unit 224 over its links to the Wagner Group. However, several other carriers identified by C4ADS remained outside US, EU and UK sanctions as of July 2026.

Meanwhile, European policymakers are considering whether those operators should also face restrictions.

“If these aircraft and companies are knowingly transporting Russian military personnel or military-related cargo to support the Africa Corps, they should face targeted sanctions, regardless of where the aircraft are registered,” Czech EPP MEP and First Lieutenant Tomáš Zdechovský told Euractiv.

The EU has already widened restrictions on Russia’s maritime shadow fleet, targeting vessels, companies and other enablers operating through African countries and other international markets.