Completes 2016 Order for Four Aircraft

Mali’s Air Force took delivery of an additional two Mi-35 attack helicopters from Russia on 12 January in Bamako, press reports in the capital reveal.

MON understands this completes delivery of the four aircraft ordered from Russia in 2016. According to Stockholm Institute for Peace Research (SIPRI) data, the first two helicopters were delivered in 2017. The Air Force already operates a number of older Mi-24s, but the new aircraft feature significant capability enhancements, including more powerful engines, better avionics, an improved sighting/targeting system and a comprehensive self-protection/EW suite.

Indications from Russia are that the helicopters will operate with ATAKA V and SHTURM V anti-tank missiles, IGLA V air-to-air missiles and either 80mm or 122mm free-flight rockets. They will be used to continue the struggle against Tuareg rebels in the northern part of the country.