The Royal Cambodian Air Force (RCAF) has taken delivery of the last of the 12 HAI Zhishengji-9 (Z-9) utility helicopters purchased from China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), Chinese state media announced on 26 November.
With the first two Chinese-built twin-engined helicopters having been handed over in July, the final 10 were formally received by the RCAF during a ceremony at Phnom Penh International Airport on 25 November, Xinhua News Agency reported.
In 2012 it was reported that the Chinese government had agreed to loan Cambodia the USD195 million required to purchase these helicopters as replacement platforms for the RCAF's aging Mil Mi-8s and Mi-17 'Hips'. IHS Jane's understands that the Z-9 fleet will comprise six Z-9B utility platforms; four anti-tank missile, rocket, and machine gun-armed Z-9Ws; and two configured for VIP transport.
The Z-9 is a licence-built version of the Eurocopter AS 365N Dauphin 2.
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