Ukraine, France agree on supply of 50 Airbus helicopters for Interior Ministry

Ukraine and France have signed in Paris a treaty on the aviation security system, which provides for the supply of 55 modern Airbus helicopters to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine wrote on its website that the document was signed by Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and Secretary of State to the Minister of the Economy and Finance of France Delphine Geny-Stephann.

It is noted the new helicopters will serve the State Emergency Service, State Border Guard Service, National Guard, and National Police.

According to Minister Avakov, this year, Ukraine will receive the first batch of four helicopters for rescue and medical missions.

Read alsoUkraine touting indigenous aviation development progress - media"Today we have signed an agreement between the French and Ukrainian sides worth about EUR 551 million. Under the terms of the agreement, the French side will first supply 37 Airbus helicopters to Ukraine, and later another 18 helicopters, including twenty-one H225 helicopters able to carry loads over 10 tonnes. Such equipment is not manufactured in Ukraine, and we find it very necessary to have them. This year we will get the first four helicopters," he said.

The agreement concerns helicopters of three models – H145, H125 and H225, which will replenish the already existing helicopter fleet of the Soviet-made MI-8 aircraft.

Avakov said the budget of the Ministry of Internal Affairs had laid the amount of UAH 1 billion for the renewal of the helicopter fleet. The French side provides excellent financial conditions, including a loan under an intergovernmental agreement at 1% per annum.

Airbus Helicopters is one of the largest aircraft building companies producing passenger, cargo, military transport aircraft.