Cambodia receives 12 Z-9 helicopters from China

Chinese made Z-9 helicopter. (photo K.L. Yim)

Nov. 25, 2013 by Greg Waldron – FG

Singapore - The Cambodian air force has taken delivery of 12 Harbin Z-9 utility helicopters.

Aside from serving in a general utility role, the aircraft will also be used to provide relief during natural disasters, according to a report the China Daily, Beijing’s official newspaper.

The 12 helicopters were financed with a $195 million intergovernmental loan Beijing made to Phnom Penh in 2011, says the report. The deal was brokered by the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).

The Z-9 is based on Eurocopter’s AS365 Dauphin.