Serbian Air Force to be strengthened with Russian and German helicopters

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World Defense & Security News - Serbia
 
 
 
Serbian Air Force to be strengthened with Russian and German helicopters
 
Serbia will buy four military helicopters from Russia and Germany in the near future, the country’s Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic said Thursday, July 30. “We are approaching the final stage of the purchase of two Russian and two German military helicopters. The first delivery [of the helicopters] is expected soon,” Gasic said in an interview with Tanjug news agency.
     
Serbian SA 341 Gazelle multipurpose light helicopters
     
According to the minister, the helicopters that are due to be delivered have excellent performance capabilities and are perfectly equipped for carrying out search and rescue operations, even at night.

Gasic specified that the purchase of the first two helicopters was planned for 2015 with two more to be bought in 2016, adding that their procurement was a priority for the Serbian Army.

Commenting on the possible renewal of the country’s fighter jet fleet, he said such a move would require huge sums of money.

Belgrade is also currently involved in negotiations on the purchase of a transport aircraft from Airbus, a French-based aircraft manufacturer.

For now, the Serbian Air Force's choppers fleet is composed of 8 Russian-made Mi-8/17 multipurpose helicopters and 31 SA341/342 Gazelle light helicopters.