Serbia a 'giant' in Europe for firefighting helicopters, says President Vučić

President Aleksandar Vučić asserted that Serbia ranks among Europe's giants in firefighting helicopter capabilities, considering its size. He stated that the country currently possesses eight state-of-the-art helicopters dedicated to firefighting and rescue operations.

Vučić contrasted the current fleet with the situation in 2012, when Serbia had only three aging Bell helicopters from 1980 that were largely unusable. He highlighted the acquisition of modern aircraft, including Super Pumas and H-145 models, with plans to procure additional H-125 helicopters, alongside Russian Kamovs.

“

We had three Bel helicopters in 2012, from 1980. Those old helicopters were beyond their service life, completely unusable, so we were forcibly extending their service life. Today, we have the best helicopters in Europe for firefighting, both Super Pumas and H-145, and we are now acquiring H-125, we have Russian Kamovs and we are acquiring more.

Addressing criticisms about the use of technology in combating fires, Vučić dismissed notions that modern equipment was neglected. He explained that while helicopters were the primary tool, ground-based methods like digging firebreaks with shovels and pickaxes were also essential. "So many people have no idea what this is about," he remarked after inspecting a village near Prijepolje.

“

Helicopters did the most work, but shovels and pickaxes were also used because you dig firebreaks. So many people have no idea what this is about.