German Tigers return from Mali

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A German Army Tiger in Mali. The type flew its last mission on June 15, 2018, and has been replaced by Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon Helicopters. Bundeswehr

The German military has ceased Tiger operations in Mali after 14 months, with the last operational flight landing at Camp Castor in Gao on June 15, 2018. The German Defence Ministry said the attack helicopters were called on by the UN about 185 times and performed tasks including close air support when ground forces were attacked, show of force flights, convoy escort and reconnaissance.

A total of four Tigers and 363 personnel were deployed with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali, with one lost in July 2017, killing both pilots.

Over 1,000 flight hours were accumulated, and 14,500 maintenance hours went into looking after the helicopters.

The Tigers will be replaced by Royal Canadian Air Force CH-146 Griffon helicopters. Guy Martin