Royal Cambodian AF Buys Z-9 Haituns

Dec 25, 2012- Royal Cambodian Air Force is set to receive 12 Z-9 Haitun from China to bolster its helicopter fleet. Of these, four are assault variant, six are utility transport variant and the remaining two are meant for VIP flights.

Harbin Z-9 Haitun helicopter

The small Air Force’s helicopter fleet currently consist of a mix of French and Russian made helicopters namely AS 350 Ecureuil, AS 365 Dauphin, Mil Mi 8/17 Hip and Mil Mi-26 Halo.

The Harbin Z-9 Haitun (Dolphin) is a license copy of the Eurocopter AS 365 Dauphin helicopter. The procurement of the Haitun is probably due to the need to bolster Cambodia’s defence which has been involved in territorial disputes with Thailand. The Air Force has never operate a combat helicopter before, hence the induction of combat variant Haitun would provide better air support for its ground troops.

Two PLA Z-9W Haitun armed helicopter

It is not known however whether the combat version helicopter is of Z-9W (WZ-9) variant, although other online sources suggested that this might be possible.