Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said he hopes Ukraine can receive military Airbus helicopters.
“We must also have Airbus combat helicopters, which will strengthen the combat power of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of our state,” Poroshenko said during the presentation of the first two H225 helicopters in Kyiv region from the French company Airbus Helicopters. The delivery was part of a joint Ukrainian-French project of the National Guard and the Ministry of Interior.
Poroshenko said he discussed this project with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel less than a year ago.
Poroshenko said the capabilities of helicopters are impressive: they can transport more than 11 tons of payload, carry up to 24 rescuers and passengers and are very reliable.
“First of all, they will be used for rescue work, including in mountainous and coastal areas, particularly in the Azov-Black Sea basin, where, unfortunately, we have to be ready for anything… The primary task is to protect the border, to save people,” Poroshenko said.
As earlier reported, Ukraine’s Interior Ministry plans to receive 55 helicopters of three models – Н145, Н125 and Н225. The French-produced helicopters will help operation of the State Service for Emergency Situations, the National Guard, the National Police and the State Border Service of Ukraine.
The main tasks of helicopter units of the Interior Ministry will be rescue and public order, criminal investigations, anti-terrorist and special missions, state border protection and road safety.
