The forest fires that devastated large areas of the Peruvian highlands and jungle, causing 21 deaths, have accelerated the decision-making process at the Ministry of Defense (Mindef) regarding the purchase of aircraft for the Armed Forces to face disasters.
The head of the sector, Walter Astudillo, announced through official networks the progress in the coordination with the Regional Governments for the subscription of an agreement that will allow the joint acquisition of around 20 multipurpose helicopters. These rotary wing aircrafts will be mainly destined to perform “rescue, search and emergency assistance” tasks, and will probably be equipped with the necessary fire-fighting devices.
Neither the model nor the estimated capabilities have been defined yet, but this decision would be related to the Peruvian Air Force’s (FAP) several times postponed project to go for new SAR (Search and Rescue) helicopters. It is known that the short list for this project includes the Leonardo AW-139M, the Airbus Helicopters H145M and the Bell Helicopters 412, whose characteristics have already been evaluated at length, although the dilemma lies in the price.
Nothing has been said, but the 412 has an advantage, as it is a well-known system in the South American country, which already uses it with the FAP itself, in the Bell 412EP version, as well as in the Naval Aviation, which has the Agusta-Bell 412SP.
The truth is that the multiplication of disasters and their remoteness have revealed the technological shortcomings of the Armed Forces, which had difficulties in assuming their new role in disaster risk management. Incidentally, he uncovered the delays in the delivery schedule of the Russian-made helicopters Mil Mi-17 and Mi-171, due to, among other things, the difficulties in the supply line of spare parts and components from the manufacturer due to the war in Ukraine.
Minister Astudillo also announced that next year’s budget will include economic support to make the delayed purchase of more transport aircrafts a reality. In this regard, everything points to the incorporation of more Leonardo Spartan C-27Js, of which the FAP operates four, and which have proven their worth not only in Peru but also in neighboring countries to which they have provided assistance.
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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