The Ivory Coast military has recently concluded the lease agreement for three Airbus H125 helicopters, returning the aircraft to their respective owners. This development comes after a period of scrutiny surrounding the procurement process and the involvement of a controversial defense broker.
The lease of the H125 helicopters, a popular model known for its versatility and performance within the Airbus Ecureuil family, was arranged by Magen-ta Solutions, a Spanish firm established in 2021 and based near Valencia. At the time of the transaction in March 2023, Magen-ta Solutions was headed by a dual French-Israeli citizen known as David Nakash. However, subsequent investigations have revealed that this individual is actually Steve Bokhobza, a defense equipment broker with a history of controversial dealings.
While the official reasons for terminating the lease agreement have not been explicitly stated, the revelation of Bokhobza’s involvement as the principal behind Magen-ta Solutions may have played a role. This situation highlights the importance of due diligence and transparency in military procurement processes, particularly when dealing with international arms brokers.
The Airbus H125, formerly known as the AS350 B3, is a high-performance single-engine helicopter widely utilized for various missions including transport, surveillance, and training. The aircraft is particularly favoured for its maneuverability and reliability, making it a valuable asset for military and civilian operators alike.
The termination of the lease agreement, in effect, marks the end of a deal initiated in March 2023 involving a leasing agreement facilitated by a Spanish intermediary with ties to a defense broker who operated under a pseudonym.
The Ivorian government has not issued an official statement about the returned helicopters. However, this event may signal a renewed focus on reinforcing internal controls over future military equipment acquisition. Moreover, it may also indicate a desire to avoid associations with individuals and companies that may present reputational risks to the armed forces or the nation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in international arms procurement and underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability. While the H125 helicopter itself remains a highly capable aircraft, the story surrounding its lease by the Ivory Coast Army reveals a need for vigilance in ensuring transparency and ethical practices within defense contracting globally.
Although, in 2021, the French-speaking country acquired two Russian Mi-24 attack helicopter, as part of an order for two of the type to replace those that crashed in 2019 and 2020.
Besides the attack helicopter, in 2020, the air force earlier acquired two second hand Mi-8P transport helicopters, which it intends to use for medical evacuation duties as part of the country’s mobilisation efforts against the Coronavirus epidemic.
