The Mexican Naval force received its first Mil Mi-17s on 15 March 1995, at the naval air station in Veracruz. After successful flight-testing, a total of 25 airframes were purchased via the Russian arms export company Rosobornoexport. This was the first time for Mexico to acquire Russian-made equipment instead of more usual aircraft and helicopters purchased from the USA or Europe. Mexican Mi-17s made their first public appearance on 15 September 1995, participating on a military parade in Mexico City, astonishing the public by their size and sound. Meanwhile, Mexican naval Mi-17s are deployed in five squadrons, each operating five helicopters, including the following units:
PRIESCAMET (first squad)
SEGESCAMET (second squadron)
TERESCAMET (third squadron)
CUARESCAMET (fourth squadron)
Escamet stands for “Escuadron de ala movil de exploracion y transporte”– or Airmobile exploration and transport squadron.Primarily roles on these helicopters are cargo and personnel transport, support for the immediate reaction forces, ground and marine interception. Secondary roles are maritime surveillance of territorial waters, coast guard, close air support, infiltration and extraction of special forces, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance.
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