Somalia receives Bell 412 helicopters of unknown origin
It is not clear whether Somalia paid for the Bell 412s or received them as a gift. (Photo: Norwegian Armed Forces)
Somalia's counter-insurgency against Al-Shabaab receives a mysterious boost as Bell 412 helicopters and weaponry surface.
Somalia has reportedly received a shipment of Bell 412 helicopters and some weapons to boost its counter-insurgency fight against the Al-Shabaab military group.
Two helicopters, believed to have arrived in July, were recently observed in the country's central regions.
The Bell 412's versatility and reliability make it suitable for various tasks, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and search and rescue. Three more helicopters are set to arrive later this year.
Whether Somalia paid for the Bell 412s or received them as a gift is unclear. According to domestic news channels, however, the country’s pilots, technicians and special forces have completed
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?]()
Will drone motherships form part of tomorrow’s warfare?
While motherships offer multiple operational advantages, the changes in the character of warfare may bring new tactics to the battlefield, reducing their role.
-
![Sweden signs contract for $552 million Gripen E/F sale to Thailand]()
Sweden signs contract for $552 million Gripen E/F sale to Thailand
The confirmed order now makes Thailand the third country to operate the Gripen E/F aircraft, after sales to Sweden and Brazil.
-
![Tactical UAS: mission-driven innovation for a new battlefield era]()
Tactical UAS: mission-driven innovation for a new battlefield era
As global conflicts evolve and the limitations of traditional UAS become clear, Aeronautics is redefining the tactical unmanned aerial systems space with platforms that prioritize survivability, flexibility, and mission effectiveness.
-
![Australian Government looks inwards to drop Chinese-made DJI drones]()
Australian Government looks inwards to drop Chinese-made DJI drones
Over the next decade the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) says it will invest some A$600 million of approved funding into the development and introduction of a range of airborne, surface and subsurface uncrewed systems.
-
![Will the Eurofighter Typhoon’s fight for new markets prevail?]()
Will the Eurofighter Typhoon’s fight for new markets prevail?
Poland and Turkey are often cited as potential fresh export opportunities for the Eurofighter Typhoon. But are the sales prospects realistic and what factors could tip the balance?
-
![India revives Netra Mk-II AWACS after Airbus cost dispute]()
India revives Netra Mk-II AWACS after Airbus cost dispute
India has cleared higher retrofit costs for six ageing Airbus A321s to be converted into Netra Mk-II airborne surveillance platforms, marking progress in a long-delayed AWACS programme but raising questions over lifespan and operational value.
