BELGRADE, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Serbian Armed Forces on Saturday exhibited their new helicopters Rostvertol Mi-35M, Mi-17 and Airbus H145M at the "Colonel Pilot Milenko Pavlovic" airport in the suburbs of Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic inspected the helicopters together with Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin, according to the press release of the president's cabinet.
The press release says Vucic was briefed on the characteristics of the four new Mi-35M helicopters that arrived last week from Russia with a focus on their digital equipment, ability to be deployed in combat both in day and night, as well as in complex meteorological conditions.
The president highlighted the multi-functionality of the technologically advanced European and Russian helicopters and their strength in deterrence.
"We've never had a modern helicopter squadron before... We have implemented difficult reforms and managed to ensure that our military has sufficient strength. These are the keepers of our country and our sky and we are happy and proud to have them in our country," Vucic said.
According to Serbian public broadcaster RTS, besides the four new Mi-35M helicopters, three new Mi-17 arrived in recent months (along with two Mi-17 previously delivered in 2016). Moreover, the delivery of nine Airbus H-145M helicopters that Serbia ordered several years ago was completed recently. They are now deployed by the army and police.
