The Ministry of Defence received the fourth “Cougar” helicopter. On this occasion, a special ceremony was organized in the premises of the Helicopters Air Base in Farka. At the ceremony attended the Minister of Defence, Mrs. Mimi Kodheli, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Major General Jeronim Bazo, Ambassador of the Republic of France in Tirana, Mr. Bernanrd Fitoussi, generals and other senior militaries of the Ministry of Defence, General Staff and Armed Forces.
Minister Kodheli, in her speech assessed that “the completion of the Armed Forces’ modernization program with four helicopter for SAR (search-and-rescue), MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) and Troops Transport, who operate with the same standards as the Alliance armies, as well as the training of pilots and technicians by prestigious companies in the field of flight will make our Air Force an added value not only in ensuring and enhancing security and quality of air services within the country, but at the same time, we have the opportunity to conduct joint operations in cooperation with NATO commands to resolve different situations”.
The participants were also greeted by the Ambassador of the Republic of France in Tirana, Mr. Bernarnd Fitoussi.
The “Cougar” helicopter, build according to the agreement with the French company, “Eurocopter”, is the fourth of its kind added to our Air Force. This helicopter is a “Troops Transport” version and will be used for this function, but it also can be used, if necessary, to transport cargo or different specific needs.
The Air Force modernization with “Cougar” helicopters intend to increase the level of operability, since this helicopter is equipped with modern equipment, which includes satellite navigation systems, entirely digital instruments and at the same time, they guarantee the maximum safety of pilots and their passengers thanks to their two engines.
