Russia deploys MiG-29s to Libya
US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) reported on 26 May that it believes Russian MiG-29 aircraft have been deployed to Libya in order to support private military companies (PMCs) on the ground.
The statement suggests that the aircraft left an airbase in Russia via Syria where they were then repainted to disguise their origins.
Aircraft such as MiG-29s are likely to support PMCs including the Wagner Group which is supporting the Libyan National Army’s (LNA) fight against the internationally recognised Government of National Accord. Wagner has also been reported to have had a role during political unrest in the Central African Republic over recent years.
US Army Gen Stephen Townsend, commander of USAFRICOM, said: ‘For too long, Russia has denied the full extent of its involvement in the ongoing Libyan conflict. Well, there is no denying it now.’
‘We watched as Russia flew fourth-generation jet fighters to Libya – every step of the way. Neither the LNA nor PMCs can arm, operate and sustain these fighters without state support – support they are getting from Russia,’ Townsend added.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine]()
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
-
![DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue]()
DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue
The addition of Red Cat’s Black Widow to NATO’s NSPA catalogue opens the doors for allied forces to more easily procure the AI-enabled drone.
-
![DSEI 2025: Deutsche Aircraft takes aim at special mission market with D328MR]()
DSEI 2025: Deutsche Aircraft takes aim at special mission market with D328MR
The company plans to offer its D328eco commercial aircraft as a multi-role variant, and spoke to Shephard at DSEI 2025 about its ambitions for the future.
-
![DSEI 2025: New AR3 EVO puts Tekever’s modularity ambitions under the spotlight]()
DSEI 2025: New AR3 EVO puts Tekever’s modularity ambitions under the spotlight
An evolution of the Tekever AR3, the AR3 EVO that broke cover at DSEI incorporates the thousands of incremental evolutions the company has implemented through its spiral development, geared towards delivering a constant stream of improved aircraft to Ukraine.
-
![DSEI 2025: Schiebel reveals two weaponised Camcopter UAVs]()
DSEI 2025: Schiebel reveals two weaponised Camcopter UAVs
The new capabilities are based on platforms already in use or in development, and are designed to perform in demanding defence missions.
