Shadow Cargo: Ex-Ukrainian Antonov 12 Surfaces in Chad Under Suspected Emirati Air Bridge
On Friday, February 27, an Antonov An-12 cargo aircraft flew from Tunis, Tunisia, to N’Djamena in Chad — a route that is drawing increasing scrutiny from observers of covert logistics networks in conflict zones.
The aircraft, tracked on Flightradar, carried the registration XT-ABR and operated under flight number BTO4200. The callsign belongs to Batot Air, an airline that is officially registered in Burkina Faso. The aircraft’s ICAO hex code is 09C031.
The Antonov was previously known as UR-CBF, operated by Ukraine’s Aerovis Airlines. Just two days earlier, on February 25, it departed from Vatry Airport in France bound for Tunis. The aircraft still retains basic Aerovis livery, with only a “Cargo” logo.
A New Mission?
The exact purpose of the aircraft’s deployment remains unclear. However, Batot Air’s operational pattern points to two likely scenarios.
One possibility is that the aircraft will be stationed in Benghazi to transport weapons and other military supplies for forces loyal to Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar.
Alternatively, the Antonov may be used on routes between Chad and South Sudan — corridors long suspected of facilitating the movement of arms and military materiel into active conflict zones. Based on the destination in the flightplan this scenario is more likely.
Not Just Another Airline
Batot Air is widely believed not to be a conventional commercial operator. Analysts suspect it was established and financed by the United Arab Emirates.
Its fleet reportedly includes multiple Ilyushin Il-76 cargo aircraft — registered XT-ABA, XT-ABJ, XT-ABL, XT-ABN, and XT-TBO — which have been observed flying frequently from UAE military airbases to destinations including Ethiopia and Chad.
These flights are strongly suspected of transporting weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment to regions embroiled in conflict.
The UAE is known to support the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which operate from South Sudan and are engaged in fighting Sudan’s national army. Abu Dhabi has also provided military backing and financial support to Ethiopia’s government forces in their conflict with insurgent groups.
Additionally, Batot Air’s Il-76 aircraft have been tracked flying from UAE airfields to airports in eastern Libya under Haftar’s control.
Le Monde Investigation
On February 25, 2026, French newspaper Le Monde published an investigation into Batot Air, describing it as the latest iteration of an Emirati air bridge to the Horn of Africa.
According to documents reviewed by the newspaper, Batot Air maintains links to another entity, Prime Aviation — a mysterious Kenyan charter company with no functioning website and reportedly fake email addresses. A Facebook page for the company does exist, but verifiable operational details remain scarce.
As the Antonov XT-ABR begins operations under its new identity, its movements may soon reveal whether it is merely another cargo aircraft — or a fresh node in an expanding shadow logistics network fueling conflicts across Africa and the Middle East.
