PATRIOT PARK /Moscow Region/, August 23. /TASS-DEFENSE/. Russia has delivered several helicopters and attack planes to Mali, which is fighting international terrorism, a source engaged in military-technical cooperation told TASS.

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L-39 (Picture source: Presidence Mali)

“That is not purely military-technical cooperation, but rather a special project. There were several helicopters and several attack planes from those at the Russian Defense Ministry’s disposal in the batch delivered to Mali,” the source said on the sidelines of the Army 2022 international forum.

TASS has no official confirmation of the information provided by the source.

Earlier in August, AFP quoted Mali’s Defense Minister Colonel Sadio Camara as saying that his country was currently strengthening its reconnaissance and attack capabilities with L-39 and Su-25 planes and Mi-24P attack helicopters, which were being added to the already delivered Mi-35 and Mi-24 rotorcraft.

Su-25 (Picture source: Presidence Mali)

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said in mid-August that Russia would continue providing comprehensive assistance to Mali’s legitimate government in its fight against terrorism.

Mali has survived two military coups since the summer of 2020, with the events taking place amid Bamako’s fight against jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (both outlawed in Russia). Mali’s military leaders have suggested holding elections in December 2025.

“That is not purely military-technical cooperation, but rather a special project. There were several helicopters and several attack planes from those at the Russian Defense Ministry’s disposal in the batch delivered to Mali,” the source said. (Picture source: Presidence Mali)

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