Zim receives 18 helicopters from Russia
HARARE - Zimbabwe has acquired 18 new helicopters from Russia under a public-private partnership deal. The deal as raised questions about the transparency and accountability of the procurement process.
The government has claimed that the helicopters will be used for various purposes, such as medical emergencies, law enforcement, tourism and disaster response. However, some sources have suggested that the helicopters will also serve as VIP transport and military equipment for the Air Force.
The delivery of the helicopters was announced by President Emmerson
Mnangagwa at a ceremony at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. He praised the partnership with the Russian State Corporation (ROSTEC) and said it was a result of his engagement and re-engagement policy with the international community. He also said that Zimbabwe was under sanctions and needed to acquire tools to mitigate the impact of cyclones and disasters in the region.
However, critics have questioned why the procurement of the helicopters was done under a public-private sector partnership agreement and not through the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act, which requires public tenders and competitive bidding. They have also asked for more details about the cost, terms and conditions of the deal, as well as the identity and role of the private partners involved.
Some have expressed doubts about the government’s claims that the helicopters will be used for civilian purposes only, given the history of human rights violations and repression by the security forces.
The deal comes at a time when Zimbabwe is facing economic challenges, social unrest and political uncertainty. Some have argued that the government should prioritise spending on health, education and social services instead of buying expensive helicopters that may not benefit the majority of Zimbabweans. Others have welcomed the deal as a sign of improved relations with Russia and a boost for the tourism sector.
The helicopters are part of a larger order of 32 helicopters that are expected to be delivered by 2025 for about US$ 320 million. Seven more helicopters are expected soon. The helicopters are said to be part of a demonstration of the deep diplomatic relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Russia. Zimbabwe has received military and technical assistance from Russia in the past, including training for liberation fighters during the war of independence.