Algerian military aircraft increase flights to Russia via European airspace

Algerian military transport aircraft have been increasingly traversing European airspace to reach Russia. On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, a Lockheed C-130H-30 Hercules departed from the Boufarik air base in Algeria, flying over Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovakia before entering Polish airspace and proceeding through Belarus to land at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow.

Analysts and defense portals, including Defence24 and Polish Military Radar, indicate that these flights are not isolated incidents but part of an expanding military and logistical cooperation between Algeria and Russia. The transport missions involve various aircraft, such as the Il-76MD and LM-100J Super Hercules, which are used to transport military equipment, weaponry, spare parts, and technical personnel.

This activity is linked to Algeria's long-standing military-technical relationship with Russia, specifically for the maintenance and procurement of Russian weapon systems. Experts suggest these movements also reflect Russia's broader military engagement in Africa, including Mali, the Central African Republic, and Libya.