A Mil Mi-8 helicopter was deliberately set on fire by armed militants in Ilaga Airport, Kabupaten Puncak, Papua.
Local media reported that the helicopter belonged to PT Esra, which seems unlikely as this operator is not known to fly Mi-8 helicopters.
The Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management is known to operate several Mi-8 helicopters but it has not been confirmed that the burned Mi-8 was indeed operated by them.
The Armed Criminal Group (KKB) burned Cooper’s helicopter which was parked at Aminggaru Ilaga Airport, Puncak Regency, Papua.
This resulted in a shootout between KKB and TNI-Polri personnel.
The Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Union, and now produced by Russia.
In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform.
Along with the related, more powerful Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is among the world’s most-produced helicopters, used by over 50 countries.
As of 2015, when combined the two helicopters are the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.
