# Mozambican military steps up with helicopter operations

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2021/03/mozambican-military-steps-up-with-helicopter-operations/
- Published: 2021-03-27T09:05:00+01:00
- Author: Patrick Kenyette

In a short while, pilots of the Mozambican military will soon take up the task of
providing direct air support and transport duties for its troops in its fight against
jihadist in Cabo Delgrado.

At least, four Gazelle helicopters and two Russian-made Mi-17 and an Mi-24 helicopters
crewed by Mozambican and Ukrainian pilots are expected to join the fight later this
year.

Although, Mozambique fleet of Mi-24 and Mi-17 helicopters are inoperable, the southern
country has been revamping its capabilities by adding refurbished second hand helicopters
to its inventory.

In September 2019, Russia [delivered an Mil Mi-17 helicopter to the Mozambican Air Force. ](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/mozambican-military-steps-up-with-helicopter-operations/military.africa/2019/09/mozambique-receives-mi-17-helicopter-and-other-russian-hardware)
An Antonov An-124-100 transport aircraft from the 224th Flight Unit of the Russian
Air Force offloaded the helicopter and other military hardwares at the Nacala airport
in northern Mozambique.

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Late last year, reports emerged that South Africa’s Paramount Group will supply 
several upgraded Mi-17 and Mi-24 helicopters, fitted with weapons, sensors and other
equipment.

The deal between Paramount and Mozambique also includes the latter receiving at 
least [12 Marauder armoured vehicles and four Gazelle helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/mozambican-military-steps-up-with-helicopter-operations/military.africa/2021/03/gazelle-helicopters-marauder-armoured-vehicles-join-the-fight-in-mozambique),
with the Gazelles to be delivered by February.

Two ex-UK Army Gazelles are understood to be in the country, they were seen at Nacala
Airport in Mozambique in Mozambican military livery.

Fifteen Mozambican pilots are being trained at the Paramount Technical Training 
Academy based at Polokwane International Airport, while Burnham Global a subsidiary
of Paramount is also training Mozambican ground personnel on armoured vehicles operations.

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Meanwhile, South African contractors Dyke Advisory Group (DAG) has been supporting
police operations in Cabo Delgado with its fleet of Gazelle, Alouette III and Jet
Ranger helicopters.

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DAG has been accused of indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Mozambique by Amnesty
International. According to local sources, DAG’s helicopter support would come to
an end on 6 April, after 13 months of operations.

A DAG Gazelle scout and light attack helicopter was [shot down](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/mozambican-military-steps-up-with-helicopter-operations/military.africa/2020/04/south-african-mercenarys-gazelle-helicopter-shot-down-in-mozambique)
in July April during engagement with the jihadists. Also in June, a Bat Hawk microlight
scout aircraft [crashed](https://www.military.africa/2021/03/mozambican-military-steps-up-with-helicopter-operations/military.africa/2020/06/south-african-mercenaries-dag-loses-another-aircraft-in-mozambique)
in an accident in the vicinity of the village of Muidumba. The pilot was seriously
injured, but survived and was evacuated to South Africa.

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