The Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, together with the Commander of the NATO HQ in Sarajevo, Brigadier General James C. Fowler, visited the company Pretis in Vogošća, and also used the opportunity to praise the defense industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Minister Helez spoke first, stating that supervising the defense industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the tasks of the NATO mission in our country.
“We decided to visit these companies together and to see the level of development of these companies and the set of products they manufacture,” Helez emphasized.
He stated that they first visited Binas in Bugojno and explained what is produced in their facilities.
“We saw that there are around 65 components produced for the final product. That includes fuzes for various types of rockets and artillery shells. What is fascinating to me the most is the constant growth in the number of employees, productivity, and revenue. Specifically, compared to last year, Binas has generated 2 million BAM more in revenue for June and July alone than in the same period last year,” said Helez.
He added they also visited BNT Company in Novi Travnik.
“They also raised their revenue levels by 50 percent. Last year they had 40, this year they plan 60, and everything is going according to plan, and I think they will realize that plan. Interestingly, they are introducing new production lines and new products,” he said.
At the end of his address, he praised the work of Pretis, as well as the overall state of the defense industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Also, as I was informed, in the first six months the revenue of Pretis is around 13 million, which is a major jump compared to last year. All in all, as a Defense Minister, I am very happy with the level of development and these complete products that are very important in the security and defense segment of our homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Helez said.
General Fowler also made an address and emphasized the importance of visiting these companies.
“It is very important that we saw that the production portfolio of all these companies is directed towards the NATO alliance. The 155 artillery shell is an example, which is produced in accordance with NATO standards. What impressed me the most is seeing the people who work there, who support these defense industry companies, who are trained and educated to carry out all production-related tasks,” Fowler said.
He emphasized that defense industries in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been operating for several decades, representing invaluable experience.
“Within its mandate, NATO HQ in Sarajevo will continue to support this sector, working primarily with the institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina on strengthening capabilities, enhancing interoperability, and deepening cooperation with allied partners for mutual benefit,” Fowler said, Klix.ba writes.
