The Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Interior has signed a purchase agreement with Bell Textron for a Subaru Bell 412EPX, forming the agency's first helicopter unit. The aircraft will support medical transport, citizen evacuation and assistance in the event of natural disasters and incidents.

“Through great collaboration with the Sarajevo Canton police force and government, we're excited to support a well-earned milestone for its force and provide its first-ever helicopter,” says Danny Maldonado, chief commercial officer, commercial business, Bell. “We are thrilled to work with Sarajevo Canton and look forward to seeing the incredible lifesaving and firefighting efforts it carries out with the Subaru Bell 412EPX platform.”

The signing ceremony took place on 4 June at the Sarajevo Canton's Ministry of the Interior (MoI), in the presence of representatives of the United States Embassy, representatives of the cantonal and Federation (FBiH) entity authorities and other dignitaries. The contract was signed by Admir Katica, Minister of the Interior of Sarajevo Canton, and Vedran Kljucanin, director of SHOT, Bell's supplier and regional Independent Representative (IR).

“This day will be remembered in history, as the day when the KS MoI concluded the procurement of the first helicopter for the citizens of Sarajevo Canton, but also for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” says Minister Katica.

Katica also highlighted the numerous obstacles faced during the procurement process, emphasising the necessity of acquiring the helicopter for the benefit of residents and the broader region. “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.”

Certified in 2018, the Subaru Bell 412EPX, possesses an increased maximum internal weight of 12,200 lbs, external weight of 13,000 lbs and up to 5,000 lbs of goods with a cargo hook. The platform enables large cargo and personnel transportation with its ability to carry up to 5,385 lbs. The Subaru Bell 412EPX benefits from a more robust main rotor gearbox dry run capability, increased internal Maximum Gross Weight to 12,200 lbs. and mast torque output of +11% at speeds below 60 knots.