At the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an agreement was signed with the French company “Airbus Helicopters” for the purchase of 3 new helicopters. From the Georgian side, the agreement was signed by the head of the Border Police – Nikoloz Sharadze, and Romain Lana – the representative of “Airbus Helicopters,” from the side of the supplying company.
In coordination with the Georgian Government, in order to further enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the border police will purchase 3 “H145″ type helicopters. After several months of negotiations with „Airbus,” the total cost of the project is approximately 26,500,000 euros.
As noted in the terms of the agreement, AS332 L1e S/N 2833 (Super Puma) helicopter purchased for Georgian high officials several years ago will be handed over to “Airbus Helicopters” by the Georgian side. By privatizing „Super Puma“ helicopter, the cost for the purchase of new “H145 helicopters will be saved by 5,500,000 euros.
H145 is a multipurpose helicopter with a capacity to perform police, transport, search and rescue operations. The new helicopters will be fully equipped with firefighting and mountain rescue equipment. With two functional engines, the flight safety of helicopters is even more increased. The mentioned type of helicopter is distinguished by the ability to operate and maneuver at high altitude, considering the mountainous terrain of Georgia, and is fully suitable for the existing tasks.
H145 is one of the latest models of Airbus, which is successfully operated by the police and emergency management services of Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada and other states.
As noted in the agreement signed in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the first helicopter will be delivered to the Georgian side 17 months after signing the contract, while all three of them will be in Georgia in 20 months, in full flight condition. Along with the purchase of new helicopters, the contract also envisions pilot and engineer training courses, spare parts and a 3-year factory warranty.
