Friday 30, August 2024 {HMC} Somalia has reportedly acquired four Bell 412EPX helicopters, marking the largest military delivery to the country since the lifting of the arms embargo. Valued at $16 million, these 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 a lack of clearance to speak on the matter, confirmed that the helicopters were purchased by the Somali government and not donated, as some media outlets had speculated.
The source emphasized that, following the lifting of the arms embargo, the Somali government is free to purchase 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 needing notification or consent from external parties,” the source stated. He added that the 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 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 significantly enhance Somalia’s counter-insurgency efforts by enabling the rapid deployment of forces and resources to remote regions still under Al-Shabaab control.
Somali security analysts and military news outlets first reported the acquisition. However, neither the Somali nor Italian government has issued official statements verifying the delivery. Rashid Abdi, Chief Analyst for the Horn of Africa and the Middle East at Sahan Research, was among the first to amplify these claims, tweeting about the alleged helicopter transfer.
The Nigerian-based news outlet Military Africa, which specializes in the African defense industry, also reported on the shipment.
This development follows earlier reports that Somalia received two Bell/Agusta AB412 helicopters in July 2023, with three more 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 a strong 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 significant boost to Somalia’s military capabilities and ongoing efforts to combat insurgency.
