An official handover ceremony was held today at the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina barracks in Rajlovac for a helicopter rescue hoist, donated by the US Government through the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On this occasion, Deputy Minister of Security Ivica Bošnjak addressed the attendees.

“It is a great pleasure to attend today’s handover. This valuable donation is a significant contribution to strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capacity to respond to natural and other disasters. It will be especially important during floods, rescues in hard-to-reach areas, and medical interventions. This is an investment in the safety of our citizens. I would like to express my gratitude to the US Government and the US Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This donation once again confirms the strong partnership and friendship between our countries,” he said.

The Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, said that this equipment is an important contribution to strengthening the capacity of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a more effective response in saving human lives. 

“It will significantly enable the execution of demanding helicopter operations. I especially thank the US Government for its continuous assistance. The US is a key partner and friend that has made the greatest contribution to the development of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” he said. 

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America to Bosnia and Herzegovina, John Ginkel, said that at this ceremony, the US and Bosnia and Herzegovina are strengthening their current cooperation and partnership.

“This equipment will help save lives. The geographical location of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with its steep mountains and fast-flowing rivers, makes aerial operations crucial in critical situations. Whether responding to floods, wildfires, or mountain rescue operations, rapid arrival at the scene and rescuing civilians by helicopter can mean the difference between life and death. Our goal is to save lives, so now, in a matter of minutes instead of hours, it will be possible to reach a mother in a flooded village or an injured hiker, providing assistance that can also arrive from the air. I look forward to the demonstration drill that will follow. I would like to volunteer myself, but I am not that foolish. However, I can say with confidence that this system will best serve the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina for many years to come,” he said, Fena reports.