Mali’s military has officially taken into service the four Mi-171 helicopters it received from Russia at the end of September.
The four helicopters, along with weapons and ammunition, arrived in Mali from Russia on 30 September as part of a December 2020 contract.
The helicopters and training were acquired for 36 billion CFA ($61 million).
The new aircraft will be used to support Mali’s counter-insurgency and terrorism efforts. The country has been in turmoil since 2012, when Tuareg rebels took over the north and advanced towards the capital, Bamako.
Mali; Air Force accepts new Mi-171 helicopters