Mali, one of the African users of Bayraktar TB2 Armed UAV, has expanded its fleet with the new delivery. Due to the matching gimbal structure, the UAVs are observed to be delivered with ASELSAN’s CATS electro-optical system. Bayraktar TB2 is in use with various electro-optical systems such as ASELSAN CATS, Wescam MX-15, and Hendsolt ARGOS II. ASELFLIR 500, the successor to CATS with improved day and IR camera resolutions, is set to join the options.
Mali’s Minister of Defence Sadio Camara addressed the rebels during his speech in the delivery ceremony:
“I repeat the call to our lost brothers for joining the Mali peace effort. This sincere desire for peace isn’t a sign of weakness but a necessity for our nation to live together in peace.”
Mali has recently been fighting a rebellion against armed groups opposing the government.
Bayraktar TB2 is in use by multiple African countries such as Libya, Niger, and Nigeria. The UCAV has been used in counter-insurgency operations against manpower and convoys of insurgent groups. The militaries of said countries view the long endurance, ISR, and attack capabilities of Bayraktar TB2 as an opportunity for counter-insurgency efforts.
