Algerian Military Flights to Russia Regularly Cross Polish Airspace
Polish security outlet Defence24 reports that Algerian transport aircraft routinely fly to Russia through EU airspace, particularly Poland's, as part of military logistics. On Tuesday a C-130H-30 Hercules made such a trip.
Algerian military aircraft carrying equipment for military purposes regularly fly to Russia through the airspace of European Union countries, Poland's in particular. The claim comes from Defence24, a Polish online outlet covering security issues.
Tuesday's flight
At 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Polish military radar detected an Algerian Air Force Lockheed C-130H-30 Hercules. The aircraft had taken off from the Boufarik air base in Algeria. Its route took it over Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia, before it entered Polish airspace from the south. It then headed east, crossed the Hajnówka area and flew into Belarus. It finally landed at Vnukovo airport in Moscow, which the outlet describes as typical for such flights.
Routine logistics
The flight is part of a military logistics link between Algeria and Russia that has been crossing European airspace regularly for some time. In recent weeks, Il-76MD and LM-100J Super Hercules aircraft have also been observed. These transport planes are used not only to haul cargo but also to support military-technical cooperation, mainly by supplying weapons and maintenance personnel for Russian systems operated by Algeria.
A similar pattern is seen in deliveries from Africa to Belarus, which Russia also uses. Russia's military presence in Mali, the Central African Republic and Libya combines protection of local regimes, access to logistical support and the development of military capability.
The Polish perspective
Defence24 notes that, from Poland's point of view, the problem is not simply that another military aircraft from North Africa has crossed its territory. The issue is that the corridor used by flights supporting cooperation with Russia passes through the territory of a NATO member state, while Moscow expands its military infrastructure in Africa and uses routes through Algeria and Libya.
