Latvia drops proposed MD 530F buy following re-evaluation of requirements

An MD 530F seen in the service of the former Afghan Air Force in August 2016. (US Air Force)

Latvia has dopped its plan to field the MD Helicopters (MDH) MD 530F (lately designated AH530) light attack rotorcraft, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) tellings Janes it was no longer suitable for its requirements.

Responding to a request for an update on the proposed sale that was first disclosed in 2023, an MoD spokesperson said that the helicopter no longer aligned with a re-evaluation of the needs of the country's armed forces.

“After receiving the final cost and configuration proposal from the manufacturer for the purchase of MD 530F helicopters, the MoD and the National Armed Forces conducted a re-evaluation of the procurement,” the spokesperson said on 19 March. “Following the re-evaluation, it was concluded that the proposed configuration does not meet the current operational needs of National Armed Forces; consequently, a decision was made to decline the purchase of these aircraft.”

In October 2023, a contract notification filed on behalf of the US Multi-National Aviation Special Project Office (MASPO) referred to four MD 530F helicopters for the Latvian Air Force. These were to be located at Lielvārde Air Base, with support work to run for a minimum of two years from calendar years 2026–27. Shortly after, the Latvian MoD published a press release in which it confirmed its intent to acquire the four helicopters for close air support duties.