BELGRADE (Sputnik) – Serbia will buy four military helicopters from Russia and Germany in the near future, the country’s Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic said Thursday.
"We are approaching the final stage of the purchase of two Russian and two German military helicopters. The first delivery [of the helicopters] is expected soon," Gasic said in an interview with Tanjug news agency.
According to the minister, the helicopters that are due to be delivered have excellent performance capabilities and are perfectly equipped for carrying out search and rescue operations, even at night.
Gasic specified that the purchase of the first two helicopters was planned for 2015 with two more to be bought in 2016, adding that their procurement was a priority for the Serbian Army.
Commenting on the possible renewal of the country's fighter jet fleet, he said such a move would require huge sums of money.
Belgrade is also currently involved in negotiations on the purchase of a transport aircraft from Airbus, a French-based aircraft manufacturer.
