Mali has received two Su-25 attack aircraft from Russia since 2022, but both crashed before nine months of service

Mali's armed forces have invested unsuccessfully in Russian Su-25 aircraft. The African country has received two attack aircraft since 2022, but neither of them has been able to last even a year.

Here's What We Know

Mali's air force has confirmed the loss of its only Su-25. The aircraft crashed on September 9, 2023. The military complained of bad weather and engine failure. The pilots were able to eject and survive.

The aircraft has the registration number TZ-25C. It was delivered to the armed forces along with Mi-8 helicopters and L-39 training aircraft.

Mali received this Su-25 in January 2023. Thus, the aircraft has been in service for approximately eight months. But this is four times longer than the previous attack aircraft. In 2022, Russia delivered the first Su-25 to the African country. It crashed two months later.