Despite russian military presence in Mali, the country itself chose fast and cheap rearmament with Chinese equipment to counter insurgents and ISIS.
Mali despite intensified rashist presence is massively receiving weapons and military equipment from China. This involves both various armored vehicles as well as precision strike assets and air defense systems.
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In December 2025, video appeared of VN22 armored personnel carriers arriving in the country. They have Level 4 protection per STANAG 4596, meaning they withstand 14.5mm armor-piercing bullets and enhanced mine protection.
Also spotted were Dongfeng Mengshi family vehicles as well as VN2C 6x6 MRAP with Level 3 protection per STANAG 4596. All this will help ensure Mali army mobility and reduce its mine vulnerability.
After this, information about new supplies appeared in early February 2026, which included various logistics vehicles. However, more interesting here is that SR-5 MLRS were also spotted, which are American M142 HIMARS analogs.
In other words, Mali army could receive full-fledged capabilities for engaging targets with precision weapons at ranges up to 70 km. However, an important fact here is which missiles were transferred, 120mm or 240mm, as final characteristics depend on this.
Recently, in April 2026, even more interesting weapons appeared — Yitian short-range surface-to-air missile systems based on TY-90 missiles. They are designed to counter UAVs, helicopters and aircraft at ranges up to 8 km
Air defense systems here are interesting primarily because currently insurgents and ISIS, who are Mali's biggest adversaries, have no aviation. Therefore a necessity question arises, given existing needs in other branches.
On the other hand, SAM systems will suit well for building country's armed forces overall, ensuring protection of own skies. So if aviation threat or unmanned systems appear on battlefield, assets will be available to counter them.
Overall before us is a good example of African country rearmament with Chinese weapons from Norinco corporation, known for its inexpensive but at the same time good products. Quite possibly payment for all this is made through loans, barter, or other obligations to China.
Should not forget that Mali's current government is supported by russians who deployed their military in the country. This involves so-called Africa Corps, created effectively based on Wagner PMC and even has Su-24Ms.
Given russia is currently limited in capabilities to transfer weapons for export, it had to take from another supplier. However, as result China is gradually squeezing out traditional russian defense industry markets. This is happening in other places like Burkina Faso and even Algeria, which has many T-90s.
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