politics
Russia Supplies BMP-3 Vehicles, Kamikaze Drones and Military Training to Madagascar
France 24 reported that a Russian military aid handover took place on April 1 at Ivato military camp. The event featured two BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles along with small arms and drones delivered since December. Training by 140 Russian instructors and additional equipment shipments continued into April.
May 6, 7:20 AM·2m read1 source
France 24Audio version
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A Russian military-technical aid handover ceremony was held at Ivato military camp in Madagascar on April 1. Two tracked BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles were showcased along with small arms. France 24 reported that the equipment was intended to strengthen Madagascar’s defence capabilities and develop the potential of the national armed forces.
Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, the transitional president who seized power in October 2025, attended the ceremony. An aircraft operated by the Russian Ministry of Defence with registration RA-86572 had landed at Antananarivo-Ivato International Airport on December 20. A 40-member Russian delegation arrived the next day.
Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, President of the National Assembly, stated that equipment was provided to the presidential guard within the framework of legitimate state cooperation. The delivery included 16 kamikaze drones, 50 handguns and 50 Kalashnikovs. Images showed crates containing an assault rifle, a Russian-made Boomerang drone and a drone controller.
The delegation was led by Andrei Averyanov, deputy head of Russian military intelligence and alleged commander of Africa Corps. Russia supplied weapons to the Malagasy military and a Russian delegation arrived to train the Malagasy army on January 14. Training by Russian instructors commenced that day.
France 24 reported that 140 Russian instructors have been deployed across Madagascar. One hundred forty Malagasy soldiers completed initial training conducted by Africa Corps instructors. The eight-week program covered military engineering, assault units, snipers, reconnaissance teams and attack-drone operators.
