Russian Military Advisors and Air Defense Systems Arrive in Niger

Russian military advisors and equipment, including an air defense system, have arrived in Niger’s capital city of Niamey on Friday, April 12, according to state-owned media. The deployment reflects deepening ties between Moscow and the Nigerien junta, which in March revoked its existing military agreement with the U.S. Once installed, the Russian air defense system may complicate ongoing U.S. and French drone operations above the country’s airspace.