A Russian Su-24M tactical bomber has been spotted at Bamako airport, marking the first known deployment of this type of aircraft in Mali.
Satellite imagery published by The France 24 Observers, confirms the presence of the bomber as early as April 14. The deployment coincides with the withdrawal of the Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary force that had operated in Mali since 2022.
🧵Voici un Su-24M, un bombardier tactique russe repéré par satellite sur l’aéroport de Bamako. C’est la première fois que cet appareil est observé au Mali. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/lL7FSt5fuI
— Les Observateurs (@Observateurs) June 6, 2025
On June 6, Wagner announced that it had completed its “main mission” in the country, claiming to have “eliminated thousands of militants and their commanders who had terrorized the civilian population for years” and helped build “a strong and disciplined army.”
The group’s departure follows a brief mutiny in Russia in mid-2023 and the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in a plane crash that August. In its place, Russia’s Ministry of Defence has deployed the Africa Corps, a new paramilitary force now assuming operational control in Mali and the broader Sahel.
In May, the Africa Corps posted cockpit images from the Su-24M bomber, though it did not reveal the location. Analysts said the bomber’s presence indicates Russia is preparing to escalate its air operations in the region, which continues to face persistent insurgent activity.
And more photo pic.twitter.com/SgA8rvrGsP
— The African Corps (@TheAfricaCorps) May 20, 2025
The Associated Press reported that since January, Russia has been using cargo ships to deliver tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and other high-value gear to West Africa. Satellite images obtained by the news outlet show Russia’s 8,800-ton Baltic Leader and 5,800-ton Patria unloading in Conakry, Guinea, in late May.
Shortly after the delivery, convoys of trucks carrying Russian-made howitzers, armored vehicles, and other military hardware were once again observed traveling overland toward Mali.
The AP reported that the shipment included a wheeled BTR-80 armored personnel carrier equipped with radio-jamming systems, Spartak armored vehicles, and several armored carriers, some mounted with guns.
