On November 29, 2023, Bolivia’s President, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, took a step to enhance the country’s emergency response capabilities by signing the Decreto Supremo N° 5074. This decree approves the provision of two multipurpose helicopters to the Bolivian Air Force for preferential use in civil defense, disaster response, emergencies, and other activities that benefit the Bolivian population.
The decision was prompted by the increasing frequency of emergency and disaster situations in Bolivia in recent years. Hailstorms, intense rains, floods, landslides, river overflows, frosts, forest fires, and drought have necessitated specialized equipment for the Bolivian Forces to address and manage such incidents.
According to the decree, the President deems it necessary to equip the Bolivian Air Force with specialized tools that enable prompt and timely operations in these emergency and disaster situations. The envisaged roles for the multipurpose helicopters include search and rescue missions, fire control, transportation of people, and other activities aimed at saving lives and preserving the environment.
As of the latest available information in 2022, the Bolivian Armed Forces maintain a helicopter fleet consisting of 36 units, including various models. Among these, only one MRH (multi-role helicopter), a SA316 Alouette III, is included. In the medium category, the fleet comprises a total of 6 Airbus Helicopters H215 (formerly Eurocopter AS332B1 Super Puma). Additionally, in the light category, there are 29 helicopters, specifically 2 Airbus Helicopters H125 (formerly Aérospatiale AS350 Écureuil), 19 Bell 205/UH-1H Iroquois, 2 Airbus Helicopters H145 (formerly Eurocopter EC145), and 6 R-44 Raven II helicopters.