Mi-17-1 helicopters enter service in Mali armed forces.

As reported by Guy Martin on Defence Web, Mali’s military has officially taken into service the four Mi-17-1 helicopters it received from Russia at the end of September. The helicopters and training were acquired for 36 billion CFA ($61 million). The four helicopters, along with weapons and ammunition, arrived in Mali from Russia on 30 September as part of a December 2020 contract.

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One of the four new Mi-17-1 helicopters operated by the Malian armed forces (Picture source: via Defence Web)

The helicopters were officially handed over to the armed forces on 26 November at Air Base 101. The helicopters’ baptism of fire actually took place on 1 November when they helped secure the release of three Chinese hostages.

Mi-17-1 is the export version of the Mi-8AMT powered by two Klimov VK-2500 engines.

This helicopter acquisition follows on from four Mi-35 attack helicopters acquired by Mali from Russia in recent years.