The Equatorial Guinean Armed Forces (FAGE) have begun incorporating the first Chinese-made aircraft into their arsenal. The former Spanish colony has an air fleet that comes mainly from the Soviet era, so the reception of two Harbin Z-9WE armed helicopters of Chinese origin is a milestone in the history of the country’s defense. These devices are in addition to other weapons, also of Chinese origin, that the country is incorporating to modernize its military equipment.
The procurement of the new helicopters has been revealed by the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE), which governs the nation, although the new aircraft are already operating in the FAGE, as shown by the images released by the party.
The Equatorial Guinean Harbin Z-9WEs are state-of-the-art aircraft equipped with electro-optical systems and weapon mounts prepared to mount rockets and anti-tank missiles, among others, according to information collected by the specialized portal Military Africa. It is a derivative model of the French AS 365 Dauphin, manufactured under license by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation.
These aircraft, which can carry eight passengers, are added to the list of Chinese military equipment that the African country is incorporating. The same media outlet reports on recent acquisitions from the Asian giant of WZ-551 armored personnel carriers, SM-4 self-propelled mortars, Red Arrow-8 anti-tank missiles and a landing ship.