Algeria donates helicopters to Niger

A video released by the MDN appeared to show the four helicopters at Tamanrasset airbase. (Algerian Ministry of National Defence)

The Algerian Ministry of National Defence (MDN) announced on 9 August that it has donated four helicopters to the Nigerien Armed Forces.

The MDN identified the aircraft as two Mi-24V and two Mi-171 helicopters, saying they flew from the secondary deployment base at In Guezzam to Niger's Niamey airport earlier that day. Transport aircraft also delivered ammunition specific to the helicopters, spare parts, related equipment, and logistical support, it added.

“This operation, which falls within the framework of strengthening the fraternal and historical relations that unite the two brotherly countries, serves to reaffirm Algeria's commitment to continuing its support for the countries of the region, particularly in areas related to defence and security,” the MDN said.

It released a video showing the four helicopters, all of which had been repainted, taking off from an airbase that appeared to be the one at Tamanrasset, 360 km north of In Guezzam on the Nigerien border.

The two Mi-24Vs had the distinctive features of the ones that were upgraded in 1999-2001 by the South African company Advanced Technologies and Engineering (ATE), which is now part of the Paramount group. Called the Super Hind Mk III, these helicopters have a new mounting on their noses for a Hensoldt Argos electro-optical system that can be used to aim the new French 20x102 mm cannon and Ingwe missiles made by South Africa's Denel Dynamics. Both the Mi-24Vs shown in the video were fitted with launch racks for the Ingwe.

Pods for launching 57 mm S-5 air-to-surface rockets were also shown amongst the equipment being loaded on a C-130 transport aircraft.