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Italy supplies Somalia with four Bell military helicopters for anti-Shabaab operations


Friday August 30, 2024

UPDATE: Following the initial publication of this article, a well-placed security source, who requested anonymity due to lack of clearance to speak on the matter, has confirmed that Somalia has indeed acquired four Bell 412EPX attack helicopters from Italy.

Four Bell 412EPX helicopters are seen on the tarmac at a Mogadishu airport acquired from Italy to bolster the country's military capabilities in its ongoing fight against Al Shabaab. (Photo source: X Social Media)

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has acquired four Bell 412EPX helicopters, which would mark the largest military delivery to the country since the lifting of the arms embargo. Valued at $16 million, the helicopters were allegedly provided by the Italian government and transferred to Somali authorities earlier this week, according to Somali security analysts and military news outlets.

A well-placed government source, who requested anonymity due to lack of clearance to speak on the matter, verified that the helicopters were purchased by the Somali government and not donated, as previously speculated by some media outlets.

The source emphasized that following the lifting of the arms embargo, the Somali government is free to purchase any military equipment. "With the lifting of the arms embargo, the Somali government now has the autonomy to purchase any military hardware it deems necessary, without the need for notification or consent from external parties," the source stated.  He added that delivery of the helicopters had been delayed several times before finally arriving in Somalia. 

These helicopters are expected to play a crucial role in Somalia's ongoing fight against the militant group Al Shabaab. The Bell 412EPX, known for its versatility and reliability, is well-suited for various military operations, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and combat search and rescue missions. Their introduction could potentially enhance Somalia's counter-insurgency efforts by enabling the rapid deployment of forces and resources to remote regions which remain under Al-Shabaab control.

Somali security analysts and military news outlets circulated the initial reports of the acquisition. Neither the Somali nor Italian government has issued official statements verifying the delivery. The claims were first amplified by Rashid Abdi, Chief Analyst for the Horn of Africa and the Middle East at Sahan Research, who tweeted about the alleged helicopter transfer. 

The Nigerian-based news outlet military.africa, which specializes in the African defence industry, also reported on the supposed shipment.

This development follows earlier reports that Somalia received two Bell/Agusta AB412 helicopters in July 2023, with an additional three expected later. The government source confirmed these reports, stating that this week's delivery constitutes the second batch of helicopters.

Some reports suggest that Somali pilots and technicians have undergone specialized training in Türkiye, which has an extensive military relationship with Somalia. However, Scramble Magazine, a Dutch aviation publication, has assessed that the helicopters likely did not originate from Türkiye, pointing instead to Italy as the more probable source.

With the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) scaling back its troop presence, acquiring these helicopters represents a major boost to Somalia's military capabilities and ongoing efforts to combat insurgency.


The Subaru-Bell 412EPX is a development of the 412EPI



 





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