Satellite imagery analysed in collaboration with the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency revealed expansions and new construction at six Libyan air bases with reported presence of the Russian Africa Corps. The work includes hangars, landing strips, barracks and communications facilities that expand the infrastructure from which Russia can relocate personnel, weapons and aircraft towards the Sahel whilst maintaining military presence on NATO's southern flank.
The expansion in Libya began after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, when Russia's presence at the Syrian bases of Khmeimim and Tartus came into question. Moscow managed to maintain a reduced presence in Syria but simultaneously intensified its operations in Libya, where it had cultivated relations with Khalifa Haftar for years. The result is a military network distributed across central, eastern and southern Libya rather than a single large installation easily identifiable.
The six facilities where new construction or rehabilitation was detected between 2024 and 2026 are Al-Khadim, Al-Jufra, Tamanhint, Maaten al-Sarra, Al-Qardabiyah and Brak al-Shati. At Al-Khadim, three new hangars and accommodation facilities appeared, while Maaten al-Sarra received five hangars, dozens of additional structures and a repaved runway and platform. At Al-Jufra, used by Russian forces since 2019, the work could enable operation of larger and heavier aircraft.
Russia has used Libyan facilities to operate fighter aircraft, radars and air defence systems. Previous reports documented the arrival of Russian MiG-29s in Libya and the deployment of hundreds of personnel at these positions. The former Wagner model is being replaced by the Africa Corps, directly controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defence, giving the Kremlin a closer relationship with the structure maintaining those operations.
Washington intensified efforts in 2025 to contain Russian influence. It sent two B-52H bombers for joint training, the US Navy made its first port calls in Libyan ports in over half a century, and AFRICOM intensified contacts with country authorities. Washington also announced Libya's participation in Flintlock 2026, its annual African special forces exercise. The US strategic objective is to reduce Haftar's dependence on Moscow and prevent Russia from turning Libya into the permanent hinge between its Mediterranean presence and African operations.
