EU Mission To Chad

[Tracer]

The proposed EU mission to Chad is having problems mainly due to a lack of tactical transport aircraft and helicopters. The situation has been made worse by a 'declaration of war' by rebel groups on any French troops or their European allies. It seems that any substantial effort to protect Darfurian refugees will be put back well into the new year.

What are the chances of aircraft being found? Much of Europe simply doesn't want to know or have their resources already directed towards Iraq and Afghanistan. Leasing aircraft such as Pumas or MI-17s may be an option but it doesn't say much for Europeans desire to be seen as a opponent of oppression and genocide.

 

[kato]

Leaving out the political part of your post:

The lack is actually extremely specific - what's needed are an additional 24 (in addition to the 35 pledged, UNO estimate) medium-transport helicopters suitable to hot climate, i.e. Mi-17, CH-46/47, CH-53, Pumas.

A total of around 60 deployed helos, under NATO regulations/standards, would need some 150-200 helicopters on rotation, plus at least 1,200 to 1,600 deployed specialized ground personnel.

Even without Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Ivory Coast etc, this would be a hard thing to fill, and would probably even exceed current in-service numbers.

 

[Imshi-Yallah]

So is commercial aviation support the only viable short term solution?

 

[kato]

So is commercial aviation support the only viable short term solution?

Long-term too.

 

[Tracer]

Does anyone know exactly how many helicopters,and what type, have been pledged?

 

[kato]

I don't think any contributor publicized this. Austria was apparently first considering SA-316 Alouette III, then S-70 Blackhawks, but both are apparently not suited to the terrain, in particular due to a lack of dust filters.