Russia has deployed a heavy transport helicopter Mi-26 to Mali, confirmed by photos published on social media.
The aircraft, under the command of the so-called African Corps controlled by the Russian Ministry of Defense, is also used to transport troops of the junta that governs the country. This movement marks the first time this type of helicopter has been sent to African territory.
The Mi-26 allows Russian forces and their allies to quickly transport large units and equipment to remote areas, avoiding land convoys vulnerable to attacks. In addition to troops, it can carry armored vehicles, artillery, supplies, and large amounts of ammunition in a single flight, boosting Russian logistics in the region. Along with helicopters, Russia also maintains combat aircraft in Mali, such as the Su-24s sent in June this year.
Designed in the Soviet Union and currently produced in Russia, the Mi-26 is the largest production helicopter in the world. It has the capacity to carry up to 20 tons, an eight-blade rotor, two turbo-shaft engines, and a maximum take-off weight of 56 tons. It stands over eight meters tall, 40 meters long, and has a 32-meter rotor diameter, capable of flying between 800 and 2,000 kilometers depending on the load, with a top speed of up to 295 km/h.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @top_force | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🚁🇷🇺 #HTL Mil-Mi-26 in Mali. No but Halo, what! pic.twitter.com/55IFkEKt0m
— Philippe Top-Action (@top_force) September 10, 2025
