The Government of Ukraine and the French Airbus Helicopters inked an agreement on the supply of 55 helicopters for the needs of the National Police, State Emergency Service, State Border Guard and National Guard. The deal was signed at the Government House in the presence of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman.

Commenting on the event, the Head of Government noted: "We are signing the agreement on the French National Day. I believe that our relations will have even more vivid prospects. And today we are finalizing a huge work that having been carried out by the heads of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, first of all Minister Arsen Avakov, with French partners. This contract allows us to use 55 helicopters to maintain the security of our citizens. It is an unprecedented amount and it opens up new opportunities for cooperation. "

Background

Under the contract there will be purchased 21 H225s, and 10 H145s and 24 H125s for Ukraine.

The deal is worth EUR555. It includes the order of helicopters and foresees the setting up of a local training and maintenance centre. Part of the funds is provided by a group of French banks, as well as the Treasury of France in the form of medium-term loans.

According to the plan, helicopters will be used for search and rescue (SAR), public services, and emergency medical service (EMS) missions in the country, counter-terrorism measures, protection of the state border, air reconnaissance, protection of especially important objects, aerial evacuation, delivery of operational response groups and rescuers, and even fire suppression. Helicopters meet the highest standards.