Australian light helo RFP

In support of Chinese Army build up on the borders with India, it is reported that the PLA has built two new helipads in support of ground forces in the Hot Springs and Pangong Tso areas of Eastern Ladakh. Reports have it that the PLA’s 76th Aviation Brigade, equipped with Mi-171E and Z-8G transport helicopters, alongside Z-9WZ and ZW-10 attack helicopters have been conducting tactical penetration exercises in the Kunlun mountain range in southern Xinjiang. There are also reports that the new Z-20, built at Harbin, has been operating in the region, this type closely resembling the Sikorsky S-70, some numbers of which were imported by China many years back.

The Australian Government has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the acquisition of light helicopters for operations by the country’s Special Forces. Airbus Helicopters are proposing their H145M and Bell their 429 to meet the requirement for some 20 helicopters.