The procurement process for the helicopter intended for the Helicopter Unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Canton Sarajevo (CS) is, increasingly likely, to be completed by mid-next year with the arrival of the aircraft, as well as the construction of accompanying facilities.
Around 80 percent of the helicopter’s production is completed
In addition to procuring the helicopter, the plan includes establishing the Helicopter Unit and constructing a hangar. Emir Jesenkovic, Chief of Cabinet at the CS Ministry of Internal Affairs, said that the helicopter procurement will be completed ahead of the planned deadline.
“About 75–80% of the helicopter’s production is already completed, and we are now finalizing details regarding the interior, markings on the aircraft, and other aspects. At the end of the year, our commission will travel to the United States (U.S.) for final approval of our aircraft. At the same time, our pilots and aircraft mechanics have completed three phases of training and are currently taking exams. After the final, fourth phase of training, they will travel for simulator training in Spain, and then to the U.S.,” explained Jesenkovic.
He added that he is also satisfied with the progress regarding the construction of the helicopter hangar.
“The main design for the construction of the hangar, which will be located at the Sarajevo International Airport, has been completed, and we are now working on collecting documentation to submit to the Municipality of Ilidza for urban planning approval,” stated Jesenkovic.
Modern hangar
It is important to note that the helicopter is a BELL brand, specifically the BELL 412EPX model.
The contract for the procurement of this helicopter was signed in June last year, and at that time, a two-year delivery period was specified. However, judging by current statements, the procurement process for the Subaru Bell 412EPX helicopter is entering its final phase, with increasing estimates that the aircraft will arrive in BiH by the end of December.
The helicopter will also be intended for use in the event of natural and elemental disasters, firefighting, and similar purposes.
Regardless of the helicopter arriving in December this year, its procurement should be infrastructurally completed by mid-next year, specifically in June, when a modern hangar is expected to be built at Sarajevo International Airport.
The planned hangar surface area will be sufficient to accommodate three helicopters. It will, among other things, include storage rooms for the CS Ministry of Internal Affairs Helicopter Unit equipment, modern firefighting equipment, emergency medical aid, rescue equipment, spare parts, a workshop for aircraft mechanics, a room for pilots, and more. On the western side of the building, there will be helicopter entry/exit doors, in front of which will be a helicopter landing pad large enough for two helicopters, which will be moved in and out of the hangar using a wheeled platform.
Pilot and aircraft mechanic training
The training of pilots and aircraft mechanics will complete the entire process, and the plan is for the CS Ministry of Internal Affairs to train pilots within this police unit and, after completing their training, for them to fly for at least one year alongside experienced and contract-engaged pilots to gain sufficient experience for independent flying.
All these steps will be fulfilled to ensure the most professional and high-quality helicopter operation.
The CS Ministry of Internal Affairs expressed gratitude to the Government of the Federation of BiH (FBiH), the Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning, Sarajevo International Airport, and the Municipality of Ilidza for the assistance they provided in implementing the helicopter hangar construction project. Earlier, the CS Government announced that 36.844.130 BAM would be allocated for this purpose and that the funds would be paid upon the delivery of the helicopter.
They also announced that in the coming period, the CS Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to procure additional helicopters, but all in accordance with the needs of the Police Administration and the Helicopter Unit, N1 writes.
