Mali has acquired new military equipment, including Akinci drones from Turkey, to enhance its fight against armed groups.
Mali’s transitional president, General Assimi Goita, presented the Akinci drones to the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) in Bamako on Tuesday, through the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, according to the state TV.
At least two AKINCI-A UCAVs were photographed, with munitions including ROKETSAN’s MAM-T smart munition and TEBER-81/82 laser/GPS guidance kits.
These drones will strengthen the fight against terrorism and enhance national security.
Mali’s Minister of Defence, General Sadio Camara, welcomed the development. ‘’With these new aircraft acquired from the national budget, we are taking a new course. They will help strengthen the territorial grid and neutralise threats wherever they are,” he said.
“Thanks to the continued listening of the Malian people, the highest authorities have put the return of security to the top of priorities,’’ General Camara added.
The defence minister encouraged the security forces to use the equipment optimally to meet the expectations of the Malian people as the country grapples with frequent deadly attacks by Tuareg-led separatists and various terrorist groups.
Türkiye’s growing ties with the Sahel region, particularly with Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, have led to increased economic and military cooperation.
This comes as countries in the region sever ties with Western powers, including former colonial ruler, France. They often describe Türkiye as a reliable partner.
After Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Libya, Mali is Africa’s fourth confirmed AKINCI user. The contribution of Bayraktar TB2 armed UAVs to counter-insurgency operations in Africa and AKINCI’s capacity-sufficient munitions that are carried by manned combat aircraft can be given as some of the leading factors in AKINCI’s entry into Africa as a cost-effective solution for both ISR and bombing operations.
AKINCI’s export customers are Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Saudi Arabia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Mali.
AKINCI was developed as a follow-up to the Bayraktar TB2 armed UAV with greater speed and payload capacity. Two turboprop engines power the UCAV and have an MTOW of 6+ tonnes.
So far, three configurations with different engines have been developed for AKINCI depending on needs: AKINCI-A with 450 hp, AKINCI-B with 750 hp, and AKINCI-C with 850 hp engines. An up-scaled variant is also being developed with two turboprop engines from the TEI TS1400 turboshaft engine with a power rating of 1400+ hp.
AKINCI’s munition options include MAM-C/L/M smart munitions, TEBER/HGK/LGK/KGK guided GPBs, TOLUN SDB, and UAV-122/UAV-230 aeroballistics missiles. The UCAV can also be fitted with MURAD 110-A AESA radar, EW pods, SAR, or extra EO/IR gimbals.
The acquisition of the AKINCI drones aligns with the Malian government’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities.
Mali earlier acquired another drone from Baykar, the Bayraktar TB2, at least 17 of them were procured. The Bayraktar TB2s arrived on 4 January 2024, followed a previous shipment of TB2s in January and March 2023. The FAMa released a photograph showing one had the serial TZ-17D. The FAMa previously displayed TB2s with serials running from TZ-01D to TZ-06D. With the latest addition, Mali now has at least 17 TB2s in its inventory, making it one of the largest operators of the Turkish-made drones in Africa.
The TB2s delivered to Mali are equipped with ASELSAN’s CATS electro-optical system, which provides high-resolution imagery and target acquisition in day and night conditions. The CATS system is a replacement for the L3 Wescam MX-15 camera, which Canada banned from exporting to Turkey due to political tensions.
The TB2s have been used by the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) for conducting airstrikes against terrorist groups, such as al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates, that have been plaguing the country for years. The drones have also been deployed for reconnaissance and surveillance missions, providing valuable intelligence and situational awareness for the Malian troops on the ground.
The drones are equipped with advanced technology, including long-range capabilities and precision strike capabilities, making them a valuable asset in the fight against insurgents.
These advanced drones, manufactured by Turkish company Baykar, are expected to play a crucial role in combating terrorism and enhancing national security.
The delivery of these drones comes as Mali continues to grapple with security challenges posed by terrorist groups. The government hopes that these new weapons systems will help to improve the country’s security situation and protect its citizens.