A modern, new, European-type H 145 helicopter has been added to the border police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The helicopter is one of the latest models from the French company Airbus Helicopters. The new helicopter is fully equipped with firefighting and rescue equipment.
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The helicopter has two engines, which increases flight safety. Helicopters of this type are known for their ability to operate and maneuver at high altitudes, which is fully compatible with the existing tasks, considering Georgia's mountainous terrain.
"Such helicopters are successfully used by police and emergency management services in Germany, Switzerland, France, Canada, and other countries."
Pilots and flight technicians from the Special Purpose Aviation Department of the Border Police are undergoing theoretical and practical training at the Airbus Helicopters training academy in Germany. The training course will end on March 15, after which the Georgian crew will bring the helicopter to Georgia.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs signed an agreement with the French company Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of three H145 helicopters on December 19, 2022, for 26,500,000 euros. The next two helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the Georgian side by June 2024.
Until now, Georgia did not have any rescue helicopters. In emergency cases, the Border Police used Soviet-made Mi-8 helicopters.
On July 29, 2022, in Gudauri, during a rescue operation, a Mi-8 helicopter crashed and exploded. All eight people on board died - four crew members, two rescuers, and two doctors. In a video shot by eyewitnesses, it can be seen that the helicopter's tail rotor was damaged, causing it to lose control and crash, resulting in a complete burnout after the explosion.
An investigation into the violation of air transport operation rules was initiated, but the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not provide the public with information about the results of the investigation.
Due to the lack of a specialized helicopter, rescue operations could not be carried out on August 3, 2023, during the natural disaster in the Shovi resort, which resulted in the deaths of 33 people.
