The Paraguayan Air Force received three Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopters, along with a significant amount of spare parts, donated by the Government of Taiwan. These three units, added to another two received in 2019, complete the total of five aircraft promised from the Asian country, which usually donates air equipment to Paraguay.
The country’s president, Mario Abdo Benítez, led the helicopter reception events and ratified the cooperation plan between the two nations for the maintenance of these aircraft. Paraguay is the only country in South America that recognizes Taiwan as an independent nation.
Since the 1990s, Taiwan has donated aircraft to Paraguay, including Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star aircraft, a VIP transport Cessna Citation Soverign, a Bell 427 also VIP, and a significant number of Bell UH-1H Iroquois helicopters. In addition, T65 rifles and Humvee tactical vehicles have been received.