(VIDEO) - Airbus AS350 helicopter, procured by the ZDK Government for multi-purpose use, presented

(Patria) - The new Airbus AS350 helicopter, procured for the needs of civil protection, police, and health interventions, was promoted today on the plateau of the Special Police headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Zenica-Doboj Canton in Lukovo polje, Zenica.

The procurement of the helicopter was financed by the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton and realized through the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Traffic and Environmental Protection of ZDK. The helicopter is equipped with modern and advanced equipment and is intended for firefighting, personnel transport, emergency medical evacuation, as well as other interventions in inaccessible areas.

The promotion was attended by the Prime Minister of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nezir Pivić, the Deputy Speaker of the ZDK Assembly, Goran Bulajić, ministers in the ZDK Government, members of the Assembly, and representatives of the institutions involved in the project implementation.

Prime Minister Nezir Pivić emphasized that today's event is special for the Zenica-Doboj Canton and that the procurement of the helicopter is the result of unity and responsible work of the ZDK Government.

- This government pushes boundaries and shows how, regardless of political differences, one can work in the interest of citizens. ZDK is the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the engine of its development, and this project is another proof of that. The helicopter has multiple purposes and represents our vision of a safer and more functional canton - said Prime Minister Pivić.

He stressed that the procurement was realized in a short period, at a cost of approximately 8.2 million KM, which, as he said, is significantly less compared to similar projects in the region.

- This is proof of a responsible approach to the budget. If this helicopter saves even one human life, we have fulfilled our mission - the Prime Minister stated.

Pilot Vahidin Dino Mahmutović, who piloted the helicopter from its handover until its arrival in Zenica, explained that he was involved in the development of the technical specifications and that it took only 11 months from the initial meeting to the project realization. He emphasized that helicopter procurements in the region take significantly longer.

He added that it is a light, single-engine multi-purpose helicopter, whose power and performance allow it to land at any point in Bosnia and Herzegovina, even under full load.

- The Airbus AS350 is the only helicopter that has landed on Mount Everest, at an altitude of 8,848 meters. That speaks volumes about its capabilities. This is the best helicopter in its class in the world - said Mahmutović, adding that it will be used for police tasks, rescues, medical transports, and firefighting, and that it already has a built-in hook for underslung loads with a capacity of up to 1,500 kilograms.

The Director of the Cantonal Civil Protection Administration of ZDK, Džavid Aličić, stated that the forest fires from the previous year were a strong motivation to embark on this project, with the aim of strengthening capacities for prevention and response to natural disasters. He emphasized that the helicopter will be used for firefighting, rescue in inaccessible areas, transport of severely ill patients, and support for the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Minister of Spatial Planning, Traffic and Environmental Protection of ZDK, Adnan Šabani, emphasized that the project was realized quickly and professionally, with the cooperation of a core team of the ZDK Government, and that the helicopter will be available not only to ZDK but also to other cantons, especially for health and rescue interventions, particularly in the area of central Bosnia.

The Minister of Internal Affairs of ZDK, Emir Vračo, emphasized that this is a great day for the citizens of ZDK, and that the new helicopter will significantly improve the police's capabilities in protecting the lives and safety of citizens.