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Mali’s military rulers received more fighter jets and helicopters from Russia on Thursday, an AFP correspondent said.
Eight planes and two helicopters were counted at a ceremony attended by Russian Ambassador Igor Gromyko and the head of Mali’s military junta Colonel Asimi Goyta.
The Malian military said the shipment included Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft designed to support ground forces. Czech-designed Albatross L-39.
Although originally designed for training purposes, the L-39 is also used as a strike aircraft.
Bamako also received the Mi-8, a Soviet-designed Russian transport helicopter. It can carry troops and equipment, as well as attach weapons to defend ground forces.
Mali officials did not provide a detailed breakdown of how many of each aircraft were delivered and said they had purchased weapons, but did not provide details of the deal.
This is the latest in a series of Russian deliveries of similar military equipment that took place in March and August 2022.
The West African country has been fighting jihadist insurgency and political and humanitarian crises since 2012.
After the 2020 coup of the now-in-powerful colonel, relations with former colonial ruler France quickly fell apart, and Russia stepped in to fill the void.
According to multiple sources, the junta has brought in paramilitaries from the Russian group Wagner from late 2021, sparking criticism from several countries.
The military ruler denies this claim, saying it simply reinstated long-standing ties with Russia and its military. However, military experts dispute this claim.
At a ceremony on Thursday, Mali’s current Air Force chief, Gen. Alou Boi Diarra, hailed the latest delivery as the latest phase of an “unprecedented” modernization of the country’s military.
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