Slovenia has signed a contract to purchase two emergency medical helicopters from the Italian company “Leonardo“ (Leonardo), the news site “Slovenia Times“ reported, quoted by BTA.
The contract is worth just under 37 million euros (including VAT and maintenance), with the possibility of increasing the price by 30 percent.
The helicopters will be delivered in October 2027 and February 2028 and will be used by the police, whose air support unit is already involved in providing emergency medical assistance.
The Director General of the Slovenian Police, Damjan Petrić, and Claudio Vinetti from „Leonardo“ signed the contract on October 13, after a national commission rejected a signal from the Slovenian anti-corruption watchdog to cancel the deal, „Slovenian Times“ notes.
Health Minister Valentina Prevolnik Rupel noted that for the first time the country is buying two helicopters „intended exclusively for saving human lives“, which will provide fast and high-quality emergency medical care.
Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukár noted that the helicopters will make emergency air assistance more efficient.
According to Damjan Petrić, the police have nearly 60 years of experience in helicopter operations and have „leading experts in police aviation and mountain helicopter rescue“.
Leonardo's Andrea Mirtetto said, that the model chosen by Slovenia is the most modern and best in its class, capable of operating in the most difficult conditions. According to him, this helicopter is used for emergency medical assistance in 30 countries, mainly in Europe.
Slovenia is buying not only the helicopters, but a package that includes maintenance of the machines and training of the crew.