Mali displays new Chinese equipment

SR5 multiple rocket launchers in the parade held in Mali on 22 September 2025. (Présidence de la République du Mali)

The Armed Forces of Mali (FAMa) displayed a large quantity of new Chinese vehicles and artillery systems for the first time during the parade marking the country's 65th anniversary of independence on 22 September.

The artillery systems included five SR5 multiple rocket launchers, five 122 mm SH1 self-propelled howitzers, and five 120 mm CS/SM5 self-propelled mortars, all of which are Norinco products.

All the munition pods on the SR5s appeared to be for 122 mm rockets rather than the larger-calibre rockets and missiles the system is capable of launching.

The parade also included Norinco CS/VP14 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, as well as 6×6 VN22 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and the VN22B fire-support version with a 105 mm gun. The Malian VN22s are fitted with the one-man turret armed with 14.5 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns used on some older types of Chinese APCs.

All three types were previously seen being transported across Guinea to Bamako in two convoys in August and September.

None of the Russian vehicles seen making a similar journey in a large convoy in January were in the parade, indicating these are now deployed outside the capital, probably with the Russian Africa Corps contingent that is supporting the FAMa.

Two Su-24 strike aircraft that are presumed to be operated by the Africa Corps flew over the parade. The commentator for the television coverage did not confirm these are Russian but said they had already flown more than 78 hours in support of the FAMa in 2025.