Russia has deepened its military footprint in Mali after instructors linked to Moscow trained more than 20 airborne troops using a Russian-marked Mi-8AMTSh helicopter, sharpening the contest for influence in the Sahel as the United States seeks a return to the region.
Malian state television showed more than 20 soldiers from the 33rd Airborne Regiment conducting parachute drills on June 28 at Bamako’s international airport, which also serves as Mali’s main air base.
According to Janes, the exercise used Russian D-6 Series 4 parachutes and a Russian-marked Mi-8AMTSh transport helicopter.
Personnel linked to Russia’s Africa Corps were also seen in the footage, underscoring Moscow’s growing presence in Mali’s military system.
Russia Expands Sahel Footprint
