The Belize Defence Force has held an acceptance ceremony this week to take on charge a pair of Bell UH-1H helicopters which have been donated to the country by Taiwan.  Belize Defence Force commander Brigadier General David Jones has had a long-term intention of having rotary wing assets for casualty evacuation and insertion of troops and resupply in remote areas, as well as supporting any other emergency situations.  The country is under no illusions that keeping the helicopters operating will be a challenge, but given the zero acquisition cost and the opportunities they bring, it is a task that they are willingly taking on.

The two helicopters had arrived by sea to the port of Belize in January, and have been worked on since them to get them to flying condition, and this weeks ceremony marks the completion of that phase.  The Hueys are now carrying local serials BDF-11 and BDF-12

Belize has a population of around 350,000 and covers around 8,800 square miles.  With its east border on the Caribbean coast, it neighbours Mexico to the north west and Guatemala to the south west.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com