The Israel Police completed the process of operational strengthening in it aerial unit with the implementation of the second phase of the helicopter upgrade project and the purchase of two advanced bi-engine helicopters, which will assist in the fight against crime, terrorism and road accidents, as well as command and control capabilities.

The police statement said, “Our role is to protect public safety and security with the most advanced and effective tools, such as the modern helicopters, which were specially designed and built for the operational needs of the Israel Police to provide professional police service to the public and operational response to the organization at all times”.

The official ceremony was held on Tuesday, 2 Rosh Chodesh Teves in Dallas, Texas, where the department officially accepted delivery of the Airbus H145 choppers.

The modern helicopters have advanced operational capabilities, including the ability to fly in longer sections and increased maneuverability, carrying and flying more commanders and combatants (to countries outside of Israel), carrying water to extinguish fires, and upgrading the technological capabilities that direct police forces operating on the ground, In a variety of tasks. In this way, the police will complete the process of aerial buildup with the replacement of the entire fleet of old helicopters, four H25 helicopters and two powerful H-145 helicopters.

The project, led by the Ministry of Public Security, is estimated to cost about half a billion shekels over a 20-year period, including the ongoing purchase and maintenance of the helicopters purchased through Elbit Systems, which won the tender of the Ministry of Public Security, AirBus Helicopters, which was selected by Elbit in the tender, as well as training and certification of the pilots of the police air force to fly the new helicopters.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)