Somalilandsun – Two unmarked Sikorsky S-92 helicopters have been seen operating out of Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, most likely on behalf of the United States military.
The two aircraft were seen on 29 June at Camp Lemonnier/Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport painted grey but with no nationality markings, reports HeliHub. Air Forces Daily notes that they could be operated by Exploration Services LLC of Gainesville, Florida. The company dry leases these aircraft to commercial operators and wet leases them to Federal, State and local government agencies.
Air Forces Daily reports they could also be two S-92s apparently exported to Kuwait in 2011 but not seen since.
The rotorcraft are most likely supporting United States military forces in Djibouti, as they are fitted with a missile launch detection system, flare dispensers and other military-type equipment as well as rescue hoists.
It has been speculated that the helicopters belong to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior as it has ordered 17 S-92s. They could be used for search and rescue in support of Saudi air operations over Yemen. Defence Web
