Mali’s interim President Colonel Assimi Goïta handed over the keys of several new aircraft Thursday to the armed forces.

The handing over at the Modibo Kéita International Airport in Bamako came on the eve of the commemoration of the Malian Army Day.

This new equipment, of Russian design, is composed of 25 Sukhoi fighter and fire support aircraft, attack aircraft and advanced pilot training, Mi-8 manoeuvre helicopters and L-39 Albatros.

These Mi-8 helicopters will allow the armed forces to carry out missions of troop and material transport, projection of assault groups, search and rescue as well as combat operations.

Sadio Camara, is the Malian Minister of Defense.