Ecuador's new equipment

In October 2023, Ecuador ordered five H225s for the Ejército Ecuatoriano (Ecuador Army) Scramble reported on that order on 22 October 2023. Supposedly, these were to be second hand machines enabling quick delivery.

One of these was spotted during a test flight at Marseille/Provence with Airbus Helicopters on 27 March. Already in full colour scheme, it will be delivered to Brigada de Aviación No.15 (15-BAE) 'Paquisha' based at Sangolquí/La Balbina.

On 20 March, the Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana (FAE, Ecuador Air Force) received a former Afghan C-130H now registered FAE-898 (382-4681).

This used to be operated by the United States Air Force as 74-1689 but was delivered to Afghanistan in September 2014 through Mildenhall, taking up the serial 1689.

After it was repatriated from Afghanistan, fleeing Taliban rule, it was stored at Alverca in Portugal where the Oficinas Gerais de Material Aeronáutico (OGMA), prepared the aircraft for onward delivery to Ecuador. It was inaugurated at Latacunga/Cotopaxi on 25 March.

Photo H225: Romain Boghossian

Photos C-130: Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana