Mali gets more warplanes, helicopters from Russia

Mali's military rulers received more warplanes and helicopters from Russia, the latest in a series of deliveries from its new top military and political ally.

Eight planes and two helicopters at a ceremony attended by Russian ambassador Igor Gromyko and the head of Mali's junta, Colonel Assimi Goita.

Mali's military said the shipment included Sukhoi Su-25 attack planes designed to support ground troops; and the Czech-designed Albatros L-39.

Bamako also received Mi-8s, a Soviet-designed Russian transport helicopter that, as well as transporting troops and equipment, can be fitted with weapons to defend ground troops.

The Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs said that for a nation, accession to sovereignty is not limited to a date, to a speech, however eloquent, nor to the erection of a monument.

In this process, guaranteeing the security of its population against all forms of aggression, from inside and outside, is a priority for each State, said Colonel Sadio Camara.

Adding that it is a long process whose goal is to allow the State to ensure, in autonomy, the essential needs of all its citizens.

Malian officials did not give a detailed breakdown of how many of each aircraft had been delivered, and while they say they purchased the weapons, they have released no details of the transactions.

This is the latest in a series of similar Russian deliveries of military equipment, following others in March and August, 2022.

The west African country has been fighting a jihadist insurgency as well as a political and humanitarian crisis since 2012.