During an aerial patrol along the border between Ecuador and Colombia in support of an anti-drug operation, a Fennec helicopter belonging to the Ecuadorian Army was hit by gunfire, allegedly from armed groups operating outside the law.
The helicopter, registered as AEE-384, is part of the 43rd Army Aviation Group “Portoviejo”. After being hit by gunfire, the Fennec crew executed a flight maneuver to return to San Lorenzo Canton, where a visual inspection revealed that the helicopter had sustained at least 9 bullet impacts, according to information provided in a press release by the Ecuadorian Army.
The operation aimed to provide aerial support to a ground operation focused on dismantling a cocaine processing laboratory on the northern border of Ecuadorian territory. It’s worth noting that the attack on Fennec AEE-384 did not result in loss of human lives or injuries to its crew.
The Fennec AS550 C3 helicopters of the Ecuadorian Army were acquired starting from 2012, with the purpose of replacing the Aerospatiale Gazelle helicopters. Among their missions, they often conduct reconnaissance and fire support missions using Nexter NC-621 20mm cannons.
*Image credits: Ecuadorian Army
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