NATO evaluators completed a Level-2 assessment of two Azerbaijani Air Force Mi-17-1V helicopters, their crews and supporting units on Oct. 29, praising their operational capabilities.
The assessment was conducted under NATO’s Operational Capabilities Concept program, according to Vesti Baku and an Azerbaijani Defense Ministry statement reported by APA.
Flight and Emergency Tasks Assessed
The crews carried out simulated casualty evacuations, transported humanitarian cargo and personnel, and flew at low altitude. Evaluators also examined how the crews responded to possible technical failures involving the aircraft.
During the initial phase, service members performed live-fire tasks and practical firefighting drills. They also underwent theoretical and practical tests of individual skills.
The Defense Ministry said when the evaluation opened that its purpose was to assess whether the declared helicopter pair’s operational capabilities met NATO standards.
Interoperability and Peacekeeping Readiness
The Operational Capabilities Concept Evaluation and Feedback program is designed to improve the readiness and interoperability of partner-country units with NATO forces.
During the evaluation period, representatives of the Azerbaijani Air Force and NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe discussed preparation for peacekeeping operations, training levels and interoperability. Brig. Gen. Theodoros Stefou, assistant chief of staff for military cooperation at SHAPE, also met with Azerbaijani Air Force officials.
NATO evaluators rated the capabilities of the helicopter pair, its crews and the relevant support units highly. The completion statement did not say whether a separate certificate had been issued.