A Russian Air Force An-124 transport aircraft has delivered a Mi-17 helicopter and other equipment to Mozambique. The relations between Russia and Mozambique have been increasing in the past months as the former seeks to reestablish allies in Africa.
Russian military advisors have apparently been deployed to Mozambique since the end of August a move that shows that the Russian could be offering defense assistance to the southern African country.
Russia and Mozambique enjoy close ties. For instance, in April Russia provided disaster relief to Mozambique in the wake of Cyclone Idai, and in August Mozambique announced that Russia had agreed to forgive 95% of its debt and would invest in Mozambique, including in an energy deal through Russian oil producer Rosneft.
Russia and Mozambique signed a resolution allowing Russian military vessels to dock at Mozambican ports in late August and by mid-September, reports began to emerge of Russian military equipment being present.
