Russian military activities across six key airbases in Libya have intensified, signaling Moscow’s growing influence in North Africa while facilitating arms transfers and mercenary deployments to conflict zones.
The expansion includes infrastructure development, personnel deployments, and strategic positioning of military assets in locations such as Al-Joufra, Al-Khadim, Al-Qardabiyah, Brak Al-Shati, Maaten al-Sarra, and Tamenhant. These bases now house advanced defense systems, MiG-29 fighter jets, and drones, with active involvement from Russian military personnel and associated mercenary groups. Additional investments are reportedly underway for the port and airbase in Tobruk.
Shift of Russian operations from Syria to Libya
Following the 2024 collapse of the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad, Moscow pivoted its military logistics hub to Libya. Initially unsuccessful in securing a Libyan port, Russian forces advanced inland, securing control over critical air infrastructure. The strategically located Maaten al-Sarra base, near the borders of Chad and Sudan, has become a focal point for Russian destabilization efforts in the Sahel.
Once abandoned since the 2011 Libyan conflict, Maaten al-Sarra was reactivated in late 2024 with the deployment of Syrian troops to restore its operational capacity. Analysts suggest the base now enables direct arms supply routes to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Sudan. Russian technicians and Syrian soldiers have refurbished runways and storage facilities, reinforcing its logistical role.
Russia’s growing influence in Libya’s fragile peace process
Moscow’s military presence in Libya has complicated efforts to unify Tripoli, particularly by obstructing the removal of foreign troops and mercenaries. The continued support for rival factions has prolonged instability, undermining peace negotiations and preventing a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The Al-Khadim airbase, situated roughly 100 km east of Benghazi, has served as a hub for arms trafficking and resource exploitation across the region. Recent construction projects, including new hangars, recreational facilities, and what appears to be a communications tower, were completed in 2025. Reports also indicate the addition of a barracks in 2026, further consolidating Russian operational capacity.
Open-source investigations revealed that in 2023, a Gazprom affiliate traveled from Al-Khadim to a Russian-controlled mine in the Central African Republic, sharing photos of the journey on social media. Geolocation analysis confirmed the presence of a Russian officer from the 102nd Motorized Rifle Division at the base, highlighting ongoing military engagement.
Expansion across Libyan airbases and regional implications
The Al-Joufra airbase, operational since 2019, has undergone significant upgrades, including renovated hangars, small structures, barriers, and additional storage facilities. Similarly, Al-Qardabiyah, linked to the Syrte International Airport, has seen new infrastructure, runway repairs, and perimeter defenses installed by Russian forces in 2024, with additional hangar repairs completed this year.
In the southwestern region, the Brak Al-Shati airbase has expanded since March 2024, with at least one new hangar and two buildings likely used for aircraft maintenance. Russian personnel numbers at the base have increased from 300 to 450 since December 2024.
The Tamenhant airbase, located in southern Libya, was previously used by Wagner Group mercenaries—now part of the Africa Corps—to launch military operations and facilitate arms shipments to Sudan. Recent upgrades include new buildings likely serving as accommodations, a renovated road connecting the runway to hangars, and runway modifications to support increased operations.
