On this historically significant day of September 22, 2025, Mali held a grand military parade to celebrate the 65th anniversary of its national independence. A military parade has always been an important occasion for a country to demonstrate its military strength, showcase national pride and sovereignty, and this particular parade in Mali attracted the attention of many around the world.
In the parade formations, the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) first introduced to the world a large number of new Chinese vehicles and artillery systems, which not only reflected the friendly cooperation between China and Mali in the military field, but also injected new vitality into Mali's defense forces.
The variety and performance of the artillery systems displayed were remarkable. It included five SR5 multiple rocket launchers. The SR5 multiple rocket launcher is one of the star products of North Industries Company. It is well known for its highly modular design and powerful firepower output. In the international military equipment market, the SR5 multiple rocket launcher has always been praised, and many military experts have given it high evaluations. It can fire rockets of various calibers and can flexibly adjust the ammunition configuration according to different operational needs.
However, during this parade, it was noticed that all the ammunition compartments on the SR5 rocket launchers seemed to be loaded with 122mm rockets, rather than larger caliber rockets and missiles that the system is capable of firing.
This choice may be based on Mali's current actual operational needs. The 122mm rockets achieve a good balance between range, accuracy, and lethality, and can play an important role in Mali's complex terrain and security situation.
In addition to the SR5 multiple rocket launcher, there were also five 122mm SH1 self-propelled howitzers. The SH1 self-propelled howitzer has high mobility and rapid response capability, and can complete deployment and firing preparation in a short time, providing strong fire support for ground forces. In modern warfare, rapid mobility and precise strikes are key, and the SH1 self-propelled howitzer meets these requirements perfectly. Its long range allows for effective long-range strikes against enemy targets, while its advanced fire control system ensures high shooting accuracy.
Additionally, there were five 120mm CS/SM5 self-propelled mortars. The CS/SM5 self-propelled mortar is an advanced piece of equipment that combines high mobility, powerful firepower, and advanced information technology. It can accompany infantry units to move quickly and provide close-range fire support for them. It has unique advantages in complex environments such as urban combat and mountainous combat. These three artillery systems are all products of North Industries Company. As a well-known Chinese defense company, North Industries has always been committed to developing and producing high-quality, high-performance military equipment, and its products have a good reputation and widespread application in the international market.
In the parade, apart from the artillery systems, other vehicles from North Industries Company also attracted attention. The CS/VP14 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle (MRAP) appeared in the parade formation. In today's military conflicts, mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) pose a great threat to the safety of troops and civilians.
The CS/VP14 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle was specifically designed to address this threat. It uses advanced mine protection technology and high-strength armor protection to effectively resist attacks from mines and explosives, providing reliable safety for the personnel inside the vehicle. This type of vehicle has been widely used in some war-torn areas and has achieved good practical results.
At the same time, there were also six-wheel drive VN22 armored personnel carriers (APCs) and the VN22B fire support version equipped with a 105mm gun. The VN22 armored personnel carrier is a high-performance armored vehicle with good mobility, protection, and carrying capacity. In its design, the VN22 fully considers the needs of modern warfare and adopts advanced materials and technologies to improve the overall performance of the vehicle.
The VN22B fire support version is an upgraded version of the VN22, equipped with a 105mm gun, significantly enhancing its firepower. It can provide timely and effective fire support for infantry units and plays an important role on the battlefield.
It is worth noting that the VN22 armored personnel carriers in Mali are equipped with a single-person turret, featuring 14.5mm and 7.62mm machine guns. This configuration is also used in some older Chinese armored personnel carriers, reflecting the continuity and inheritance of Chinese military equipment design.
The 14.5mm machine gun has a high rate of fire and strong killing power, and can effectively strike enemy light armored targets, infantry, and low-flying targets; while the 7.62mm machine gun can be used for close-range fire suppression and self-defense. This combination of machine guns has been proven to be very effective in real combat, meeting the needs of different combat scenarios.
From a historical and cultural perspective, the friendly relations between China and Mali have a long history. Over the past few decades, both sides have carried out extensive cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields. Military cooperation has been an important manifestation of the friendly relationship between the two countries. Chinese military equipment
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