The Libyan Mi-25 taken in Chad by the US Army in 1988 during Operation Mount Hope III. On display at the Southern Museum of Flight, Birmingham Alabama. The Mi-25 is the export variant of the Mil Mi-24 helicopter. U.S. Army photo.
Operation Mount Hope III was a top-secret American military operation conducted in 1988 to capture a Soviet-made Mil Mi-25 “Hind-D” attack helicopter. This helicopter, an export model of the Soviet Mi-24, which earned the nickname “Devil’s Chariot” during the Soviet-Afghan War, had been abandoned during the conflict between Libya and Chad.
The operation took place in the aftermath of the Chadian-Libyan conflict, specifically the Toyota War, which ended in September 1987. This war was the last in a series of clashes over the control of the Aouzou Strip, a region of northern Chad along the Libyan border. The Chadians, supported by the United States and France, managed to defeat the Libyan forces, who left behind a significant amount of military equipment, including the Mi-25 helicopter.
Mission
The United States had long been interested in acquiring a Hind helicopter for evaluation. After lengthy negotiations between the French, American, and Chadian governments, permission was granted to recover a Libyan Mi-25 Hind from Chad. The Americans paid two million dollars and provided a batch of FIM-92 Stinger missiles in exchange for the permission.
The task of recovering the helicopter was assigned to the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, also known as the “Night Stalkers.” In April 1988, the unit began training for the mission with night-time flights of MH-47 Chinook helicopters around White Sands, New Mexico.
The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) is an elite unit of the United States Army that specializes in aviation support for special operations forces. Established in 1981, the regiment is renowned for its proficiency in conducting nighttime operations, often under the most challenging conditions. The Night Stalkers are equipped with a variety of advanced helicopters, including the MH-47 Chinook, MH-60 Black Hawk, and AH-6 Little Bird, which enable them to execute a wide range of missions such as direct action, reconnaissance, and personnel recovery.
Their rigorous training and unmatched expertise make them a critical asset in both domestic and international operations, often working alongside units like the Navy SEALs and the Army’s 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), commonly known as “Delta Force.” The 160th SOAR’s motto, “Night Stalkers Don’t Quit,” reflects their unwavering commitment to mission success and their ability to operate in the most demanding environments.
Execution
The mission was executed in May 1988. Over 60 men from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment participated in the operation. Despite facing challenges such as sandstorms and the threat of Libyan forces, the team managed to recover the helicopter without firing a single shot.
The operation involved flying two MH-47D Chinook helicopters to the abandoned Libyan air base at Ouadi Doum in northern Chad. The Chinooks carried the Mi-25 helicopter as an external, slung load. The mission was completed in just 70 hours, showcasing the professionalism and capability of the U.S. Army’s special operations forces.
The Hind helicopter was successfully transported to the United States, arriving at Fort Rucker on June 16, 1988. It was restored to flying condition for evaluation purposes. After the evaluation, it was handed over to the Threat Systems Management Office, where it was used to demonstrate its capabilities to other units. Additionally, it participated in training exercises, serving as an opposing force (OPFOR) against both ground troops and U.S. helicopters.
In 2012, the aircraft was donated to the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Alabama, preventing it from being scrapped. It remains on display there to this day
Significance
Operation Mount Hope III was a significant achievement for the U.S. military. It demonstrated the ability of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment to conduct complex and high-risk missions successfully. The recovered Mi-25 helicopter provided valuable insights into Soviet military technology, contributing to the United States’ understanding of its Cold War adversary.
Resources
Southern Museum of Flight
southermuseumofflight.org
U.S. Army Special Operations Recruiting Battalion
goarmysof.army.mil