Russians Used Latest Version of Garpiya-A1 Kamikaze Drone in Mali

Russian troops used the latest version of the Garpiya-A1 kamikaze drone against insurgents in Mali.

This was reported by Colonel GSh Telegram channel.

According to available information, the latest KK series, equipped with an airburst warhead, was deployed near the town of Sevare.

The drone was used to strike against the Azawad rebels.

The Garpyia-A1 is the Russian version of the Shahed-type kamikaze drones, manufactured by the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant “Kupol.”

The new drone variant uses a 16-element Kometa-M16 CRPA antenna, designed to ensure satellite navigation to counter electronic warfare. The previous KC series was equipped with a Kometa-M12 antenna.

According to available estimates, the drone’s maximum payload is up to 150 kilograms, its maximum speed is up to 185 kilometers per hour, and its flight range is up to 1,500 kilometers.

Events in Mali

It was recently reported that Russian mercenaries from the Africa Corps, together with the Malian army, have begun withdrawing from a military base in the town of Aguelhok.

This is already the third strategic facility in northeastern Mali that government forces and Russian mercenaries are abandoning under pressure from Tuareg rebels and jihadist groups.

The retreat is taking place against the backdrop of a large-scale offensive by rebel forces that has been ongoing since late April 2026.

Earlier, units of the military junta and Russian mercenaries had already abandoned two key locations — the city of Kidal on April 26 and the strategically important Tessalit on May 1. The withdrawal from Aguelhok means the loss of control over a significant part of the country’s north.

Before active hostilities began on April 25, the base in Aguelhok housed about 100 fighters from the Russian Africa Corps and approximately 400 Malian army personnel.

On the morning of May 4, at least 30 pieces of military equipment left the base. They later joined the main column, which had previously departed from Tessalit and was located a few kilometers from the city.