Interior ministry buys three helicopters from French company

The Georgian interior ministry on Tuesday signed an agreement with French Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of three new helicopters in a bid to “strengthen its capabilities” in rescue and search operations. 

The total cost of the project is more than 26 million euros. 

The ministry said it would hand over a Super Puma helicopter purchased under the previous United National Movement authorities to the company, and more than five million euros would be excluded from the total cost. 

The body claimed the H145 was a multipurpose helicopter that can perform police, transport, search and rescue functions. 

“The new helicopters will be fully equipped with fire fighting and mountain rescue equipment. They have two engines, which increases flight safety. This type of helicopter is distinguished by the ability to operate and maneuver at high altitude, which, considering the mountainous terrain of Georgia, will be fully compatible with the existing tasks”, the ministry said. 

It noted “H145 is one of the latest models of Airbus, which is successfully used by the police and emergency management services of Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada and other countries”.