Malian Air Force
The Mali Air Force, officially known as the Armée de l'Air du Mali, is the aerial warfare branch of the Malian Armed Forces. Established in 1961 following Mali's independence from France, the air force operates various aircraft types and has played a significant role in supporting ground operations. It primarily focuses on conducting reconnaissance, air transport, and close air support missions. The Mali Air Force operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including Alpha Jets for combat and training purposes, Mi-35 attack helicopters, and Mi-8/17 transport helicopters. In recent years, the air force has faced challenges, including insurgency and instability within the country. To enhance its capabilities, the Mali Air Force has received support from international partners, such as France and the United States, through the provision of training, equipment, and advisory assistance. Overall, the Mali Air Force continues to evolve and adapt to meet operational requirements within the country and support regional security initiatives.
Key facts
| Official Name | Malian Air Force |
| Local Name | Armée de l'Air du Mali |
| Country | 🇲🇱 Mali |
| World rank | #99 |
| Active aircrafts | 39 (as of 2024) |
| Aircrafts on order | 1 |
| Roundel |
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Number of active aircrafts by type
| Aircraft type | Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | 15 | |
| Helicopters | 12 | |
| Transport | 7 | |
| Training | 4 | |
| Special missions | 1 | |
Aircrafts most used by Malian air forces
| Aircraft | Active | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi-24 Hind | 9 | Soviet attack helicopter, renowned for Cold War use, predominantly deployed for airborne assault, close combat, and anti-armour roles. | |
| MiG-21 Fishbed | 9 | Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts. | |
| L-39 Albatros | 6 | Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles. | |
| EMB 312 Tucano | 3 | Brazilian military trainer aircraft, utilized heavily in the 1980s, known for participation in the Iran–Iraq war. | |
| C-295 Persuader | 2 | Spanish tactical military transport aircraft, utilized globally in maritime patrol, surveillance, and humanitarian relief missions since the late 20th century. | |
| H215M / AS532 Cougar | 2 | French utility helicopter, notable for search and rescue missions, extensively utilized in military and civilian sectors since the 1970s. | |
| Y-12 | 2 | Chinese twin-engine light utility aircraft, recognized from its 1980s development, frequently used for passenger and cargo transportation. | |
| An-26 Curl | 1 | Soviet twin-engined transport aircraft, widely utilized in both civilian and military roles since the 1960s. | |
| BN-2B Defender | 1 | British light-utility aircraft, notably deployed for surveillance, logistical operations, and transport duties in various global regions. | |
| 208 Caravan | 1 | American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s. | |
Full inventory in 2024
Mali Air Force
| Aircraft Type | Model | Active | Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat aircrafts | MiG-21 | 9 | |
| L-39 | 6 | ||
| Helicopters | Mi-24/35 | 9 | 1 |
| H215M/AS332 | 2 | ||
| Mi-8 | 1 | ||
| Special missions | Cessna 208 (Recce) | 1 | |
| Training | EMB-314 | 3 | |
| SF-260 | 1 | ||
| Transport | C295 | 2 | |
| Y-12 | 2 | ||
| An-26 | 1 | ||
| BN-2 | 1 | ||
| BT-67 | 1 |