Yesterday, at the base of the Canton Sarajevo (CS) Ministry of Internal Affairs Police Support Sector, a ceremony was held in the presence of representatives from the United States (U.S.) Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), cantonal and federal authorities, and other dignitaries, at which a contract was signed for the procurement of a Bell 412 helicopter from the U.S. manufacturer Bell, to be used by the CS Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The contract was signed by Admir Katica, Minister of Internal Affairs of CS, and Vedran Kljucanin, director of “Shot” company from Zenica, which acted as an intermediary.
Following the signing, Minister Katica stated that “this day will be remembered in history as the day the Ministry of Internal Affairs of CS concluded the purchase of the first helicopter for the citizens of CS and for the whole of BiH.”
“I can rightfully say that this is a historic moment not only for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of CS, but also for the entire CS because today we are strengthening the foundation for building a modern, strong, and best-equipped police force in the country. Our vision, which we are getting closer to every day, is for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of CS police to be equipped with new helicopters, special armored vehicles, water cannons, body cameras, adequate weaponry, and new uniforms,” said Katica yesterday.
He mentioned that there were numerous obstacles on the way to concluding the contract, which they patiently overcame.
“We wanted to acquire this helicopter primarily for our citizens, but also for the whole of BiH. Never again will citizens depend on the goodwill or political decisions of others when they need emergency medical transport, evacuation, or assistance in floods, landslides, fires, earthquakes, or any unforeseen situation. Our helicopter unit will be the first to assist the citizens,” Katica emphasized.
He added that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has already formed the first helicopter unit, consisting of candidates who met the strict conditions and criteria of a public competition and that the members of this unit have already established employment relationships with the Ministry and are currently undergoing selection for the academy where they will be trained and educated.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Kemal Ademovic, Chairman of the House of Peoples of the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH (PABiH), Nihad UK, Prime Minister of the CS, Elvedin Okeric, Chairman of the Assembly of CS, a representative of the U.S. Embassy in BiH, police commissioner Fatmir Hajdarevic of the CS Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Vedran Kljucanin, director of the company “Shot”.
The helicopter procurement project is estimated at 30.3 million BAM excluding VAT and is included in the public investment program for the period 2023-2025.
Photo: Illustration
