I found a photo of this Mi-8 on A.net. Before being bought by IvAF, it was used with a maltese charter company.

The Hinds were involved in air strikes against rebels a day before the french base bombing, so they were the second target after the Su-25s. For the Hip and the IAR-330, they were parked alongside the Hinds: the bad place at the bad time.

Then I should hope the MiG-23 pilot has his will signed and authenticated if it’s a French Navy Rafale he finds himself up against,he’d soon find himself on the recieving end of an actively gudied MICA Electro Magnetique!

The best way to destroy these planes is a launch of rocket when the MiGs are taxiing before take off. Probably these planes are in Abidjan or Yamoussoukro airport where french trooops are deployed. The other big ivorian airport, Bouake, is still occupied by rebels.

Less fair play than a dogfight but more effective …

How were the helos destroyed?

Apparently, the helos in Yamoussoukro were destroyed by missiles.
Probably HOTs fired by Gazelles.

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Dimitri,
I saw a Mig-23 taking off at Abidjan airport one year ago.

The french president has ordered the destruction of all ivorian ground attack aircraft (2 SU-25 and 7 Mi-24). Apparently MiG-23, Strikemasters and Pumas are also in service with the ivorian air force.

there are some Transall and Gazelles (fitted with HOT, 20mm or Mistral AAM) in Ivory coast. 3 Mirage F1 CT in Libreville and one Atlantique in Dakar are in alert for CAS and recce duties.

Hawkeye over Afghanistan.
And inside the beast