Mali: Acquisition of new UAVs to support airborne vectors

The President of the Malian Transition, Colonel Assimi Goïta, received around twenty drones on Thursday, January 4. Among these drones, some are of the Bayraktar TB2 type, manufactured in Turkey. These drones have been provided to Mali as part of the fight against international terrorism.

According to Malian authorities, these drones will enable the Malian army to monitor the national territory and more effectively strike armed terrorist groups.

They will also contribute to the protection of the Malian armed forces, monitoring military convoys, and terrorist activities.

This drone delivery comes in the context of an upsurge in terrorist attacks in Mali.

One still recalls the deadly attack carried out by armed groups against the military base in Mondoro, in the center of the country, resulting in numerous casualties.

Hence, the significance of these military acquisitions. The Bayraktar TB2 drones are medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) combat drones manufactured in Turkey.

They are equipped with guided missiles and can strike ground targets from several tens of kilometers away.

They are considered effective weapons in the fight against terrorism. In addition to these Turkish drones, Bamako has received drones manufactured in Russia and China.

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Pavilion of the Modibo Keïta International Airport in Bamako-Sénou.

For the past three years, the country has been committed to regenerating its defense capabilities to ensure its sovereignty, protect its territorial integrity, and preserve its unity.

According to the Minister of Defense and Veterans, the Malian Armed Forces have been equipped with the most sophisticated equipment, from individual weapons and equipment to ground combat vehicles, airspace surveillance radars, fighter jets, combat and maneuver helicopters, reconnaissance, and attack drones.

According to Colonel Sadio Camara, it is not yet time for a complete assessment. However, every citizen can evaluate the results achieved by the Malian army since the beginning of the Transition.

Hope is rekindling in Mali thanks to the resilience of the Malian people and the efforts of Malian authorities to modernize the defense apparatus.

Papa IBRAHIMA