The SPLA spokesperson said the military helicopters parked at Juba International Airport are for peace and for the transition of the SPLA into a conventional army.
Colonel Philip Aguer Panyang told SCR News that the SPLA is under transformation from a guerrilla movement into a conventional army.He said the helicopters are the backbone of the SPLA air force to boost its logistic and transport capacities.
Mr. Aguer said the helicopters can also be used in emergencies like natural calamities.
Mr. Aguer said the helicopters were a gift from the Government of Southern Sudan to the SPLA.
A security specialist said the eight aircraft are second hand Soviet-made MI 8 transport helicopters that can be used for rapid deployment of troops and military material across South Sudan.