Sarajevo Canton orders a Subaru Bell 412EPX

The contract was signed on 4 June at a ceremony at the Ministry of the Interior’s offices, in the presence of local and federal government representatives, as well as officials from the US embassy.

The aircraft will form the basis of the agency’s first helicopter unit, and will be used to provide support in the event of natural disasters and other incidents – including medical evacuations and firefighting.

The helicopter has a maximum internal weight of 12,200lb (5,534kg), and can carry up to 5,000lb (2,268kg) with a cargo hook.

Admir Katica, Minister of the Interior of Sarajevo Canton, welcomed the deal: “Never again will citizens depend on the goodwill or political decisions of others when they need emergency medical transport, evacuation, or assistance in the event of floods, landslides, fires, earthquakes, or any other unforeseen situation. Our helicopter unit will be the first to come to the aid of our citizens.”

Variants of the Bell 412 are a popular choice for emergency services, particularly in the law enforcement sector. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, in the US state of New Mexico, recently received a Bell 412EPI helicopter from Bell Textron.