# Benin’s plans to buy Russian Mi-171 helicopters delayed by Ukraine war

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/07/benins-plans-to-buy-russian-delayed-by-ukraine-war/
- Published: 2023-07-05T10:05:14+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

Benin’s plans to buy [Russian Mi-171 transport helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2022/07/russias-rostec-receive-export-order-for-upgraded-mi-171e-helicopters/)
have been set back by the war in Ukraine. State firm Russian Helicopters, whose 
production lines have been disrupted by the conflict, has failed to provide the 
helicopters Benin needs to strengthen its air force in the fight against armed groups
in the north.

Benin’s government has made the strengthening of its air force a priority in recent
months. In his quest for 10 helicopters, the military chief of staff Fructueux Gbaguidi
turned to European manufacturer Airbus – which in February delivered him [two of its H125 aircraft](https://www.military.africa/2023/06/benins-air-force-boosts-counterterrorism-efforts-with-new-h125m-helicopters/)–
while still eyeing a possible deal with Moscow.

Russian Helicopters has run into numerous difficulties in its bid to supply Benin
with two Mi-171E civilian transports for military repurposing, under a proposal 
made to air force chief Colonel Hermann William Avocanh.

The company has been unable to secure the necessary export licenses from the Russian
government, and it is also facing delays in the [delivery of components from Western](https://www.military.africa/2020/08/army-2020-expo-russia-showcase-enhanced-mi-35-and-mi-171-combat-helicopters/)
suppliers. As a result, it is unclear when – or if – the helicopters will be delivered
to Benin.

The setback is a blow to Benin’s security forces, who are struggling to contain 
the growing threat from armed groups in the north of the country. The groups, who
are linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, have carried out a number of attacks
in recent months, killing dozens of people.

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The government is hoping that the new helicopters will help to improve its ability
to track and target the groups. However, with the delivery of the helicopters now
uncertain, it is unclear how long Benin will have to wait for the reinforcements
it needs.

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Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter is designed to perform delivery of manpower,
transportation of cargoes and materials inside the cargo cabin or on the external
sling as well as for airdropping of tactical troops, airlanding of reconnaissance
and sabotage groups and destruction of ground objects.

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The helicopter can be operated for medical evacuation, delivery of the emergency
medical healthcare onboard, provision of the search and rescue missions in combat
conditions.

Mi-171Sh features high transport capabilities, it can be effectively employed in
special operations, it is self-sufficient and has an out-of-hangar storage capability.

A lot of African militaries rely heavily on Soviet-built equipment which has mostly
been passed down to surviving states such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Czech, and
Georgia.

An unintended consequence of Russia’s “Special Military Operations” in Ukraine is
that African militaries [will have to look elsewhere for critically needed platforms and spare parts](https://www.military.africa/2022/03/russia-ukraine-crises-may-disrupt-africas-military-supply-chain/)
to keep their military equipment in working order.

Earlier in March, the Chinese government [donated](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/beninese-armed-forces-receives-15-vab-4x4-armoured-vehicles-from-france/)
four NORINCO Type PMR-50 drone to the Benin Republic to improve its security and
crime detection amid the emergence of terror activities around the country. While
[France handed nearly a dozen Forward Armored Vehicles (VAB](https://www.military.africa/2023/02/beninese-armed-forces-receives-15-vab-4x4-armoured-vehicles-from-france/))
over to the Beninese Armed Forces.

In 2018, the Benin Armed Forces (FAB) [received a number of weapons and ammunition from Russia](https://www.military.africa/2018/08/benin-armed-forces-receiving-russian-arms/).
The arms and trade agreement between both countries was signed in October 2010. 
According to a news report by Interfax-AVN news agency on 15 August, the weapons
include man-portable air defence launchers, man-portable anti-tank rocket launchers,
handheld anti-tank grenade launchers, and infantry flamethrowers.

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