The Government of Bolivia has reportedly signed a contract for six AVIC H425 helicopters for the Bolivian Army – the H425 is a development of the Harbin Z-9, the Chinese version of Eurocopter’s Dauphin/Panther.  The purchase will form part of a bilateral cooperation agreement between China and Bolivia.

Antonio Cueto Calderón, headof the Bolivian Army advised that the six helicopters are going to create a new “Air Cavalry”.  The helicopters will provide a better platform for emergency response roles including SAR, EMS, but also for personnel transport and other military operations.  The Bolivian Army do not currently operate any helicopters – their past involvement with Eurocopter SA315B Lamas ended when they were transferred to thei Bolivian Air Force some years back.  [file photo]

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com