In Mali, the transitional authorities announced the receipt, Monday, April 19, of two new combat helicopters, provided by Russia. At what cost? This was not specified. In addition to these new helicopters, the Malian army has also acquired ” fourth generation surveillance radars “. Their precise model nor their number have not been specified either, other radars had already been received in recent months.
This equipment must, according to the Malian army, “ help the Fama (Malian Armed Forces, editor’s note) in their daily struggle to eradicate terrorism “. But many observers wonder: how can radars contribute to the fight against terrorism, knowing that the jihadist groups operating in the Sahel do not have air means? How can these radars contribute to securing the Malian national territory?
” Laconic press release »
For Arthur Banga, Ivorian teacher-researcher at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan and specialist in defense and armament issues, “ the great difficulty is that the statement from the Malian army is quite laconic. So, we don’t know exactly what type of radar it is. That said, in the classic fight against terrorist groups, these types of radars can detect troop movements, even missiles or certain rockets. »
” Neverthelesscontinues Arthur Banga, let’s not forget the international context of tensions between Russia and the West with an illustrative theater of these tensions, which is Mali. So that could allow the Malian army to be able to monitor all movements in its airspace with more precision. So if eventually there are movements of Western planes, it could allow the Russian partner to find out about it in the same way. »
” We’ll see how the situation will evolve. »
Mistrust or mistrust vis-à-vis the French force Barkhane or the UN force of Minusma? ” Not necessarily, says the Ivorian teacher-researcher. We will see how the internal situation will evolve and, even worldwide, to see if we switch from mistrust to mistrust. “.
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