Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09OUAGADOUGOU683
2009-08-27 15:19:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Ouagadougou
Cable title:
REFURBISHMENT OF BURKINA FASO'S MI-17 HELICOPTERS
how-toVZCZCXRO2621 PP RUEHPA DE RUEHOU #0683 2391519 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 271519Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5337 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L OUAGADOUGOU 000683
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2019
TAGS: KPKO MCAP PREL UV
SUBJECT: REFURBISHMENT OF BURKINA FASO'S MI-17 HELICOPTERS
REF: STATE 55654 OUAGADOUGOU 00431 OUAGADOUGOU 00631
Classified By: CDA Samuel C. Laeuchli for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L OUAGADOUGOU 000683
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2019
TAGS: KPKO MCAP PREL UV
SUBJECT: REFURBISHMENT OF BURKINA FASO'S MI-17 HELICOPTERS
REF: STATE 55654 OUAGADOUGOU 00431 OUAGADOUGOU 00631
Classified By: CDA Samuel C. Laeuchli for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: Burkina Faso's two MI-17 helicopters which were sent
to the Republic of Georgia the Ukraine for refurbishment in November
2008, have been returned. These helicopters will be available for
future missions once they are reassembled and tested. END SUMMARY.
2.(C) The Government of Burkina Faso has two MI-17 helicopters. On 2
June 2009, Security Cooperation Program Officer (SCPO) queried
Burkinabe defense officials about these assets. They responded that
the helicopters were in the Republic of Georgia being refurbished and
expected them to be returned by the end of June or early July. On 15
August 2009, the Special Operations Forces Liaison Element (SOFLE)
observed the MI-17s being unloaded from an IL-76 Candid at the
Ouagadougou military airfield. These helicopters are currently being
reassembled and will be tested by HN pilots upon completion. They give
the Burkinabe Air Force a significant troop transport capability as wel
as logistical capability. They can also be used to patrol the borders.
Although it is not being considered at this time and the distance is
great, the MI-17 helicopters could possibly be used to support
Peacekeeping Operations in Darfur or humanitarian aid missions within
the region. Burkina Faso just recently deployed the ACOTA trained
"Laafi" battalion to Darfur under the hybrid Africa Union/United Nation
Mission in Darfur.
3.(C) COMMENT: The Burkinabe maintenance officer informed the SOFLE
that Georgia refurbishes the airframes and avionics, and the engines
and rotor blades are refurbished in the Ukraine. The helicopter
frames, engines, avionics and blades were packaged separately, but
arrived together on-board the same IL-76, and are currently being
assembled by a mix of Ukrainian and Burkinabe technicians.
4.(U) If further information is needed, please contact SCPO LTC Bruce
Patrick (patrickba@state.sgov.gov).
LAEUCHLI
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2019
TAGS: KPKO MCAP PREL UV
SUBJECT: REFURBISHMENT OF BURKINA FASO'S MI-17 HELICOPTERS
REF: STATE 55654 OUAGADOUGOU 00431 OUAGADOUGOU 00631
Classified By: CDA Samuel C. Laeuchli for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: Burkina Faso's two MI-17 helicopters which were sent
to the Republic of Georgia the Ukraine for refurbishment in November
2008, have been returned. These helicopters will be available for
future missions once they are reassembled and tested. END SUMMARY.
2.(C) The Government of Burkina Faso has two MI-17 helicopters. On 2
June 2009, Security Cooperation Program Officer (SCPO) queried
Burkinabe defense officials about these assets. They responded that
the helicopters were in the Republic of Georgia being refurbished and
expected them to be returned by the end of June or early July. On 15
August 2009, the Special Operations Forces Liaison Element (SOFLE)
observed the MI-17s being unloaded from an IL-76 Candid at the
Ouagadougou military airfield. These helicopters are currently being
reassembled and will be tested by HN pilots upon completion. They give
the Burkinabe Air Force a significant troop transport capability as wel
as logistical capability. They can also be used to patrol the borders.
Although it is not being considered at this time and the distance is
great, the MI-17 helicopters could possibly be used to support
Peacekeeping Operations in Darfur or humanitarian aid missions within
the region. Burkina Faso just recently deployed the ACOTA trained
"Laafi" battalion to Darfur under the hybrid Africa Union/United Nation
Mission in Darfur.
3.(C) COMMENT: The Burkinabe maintenance officer informed the SOFLE
that Georgia refurbishes the airframes and avionics, and the engines
and rotor blades are refurbished in the Ukraine. The helicopter
frames, engines, avionics and blades were packaged separately, but
arrived together on-board the same IL-76, and are currently being
assembled by a mix of Ukrainian and Burkinabe technicians.
4.(U) If further information is needed, please contact SCPO LTC Bruce
Patrick (patrickba@state.sgov.gov).
LAEUCHLI