Montenegro will purchase four helicopters for the needs of the Air Force: Krapović and Pistorius sign agreement

The Ministers of Defense of Montenegro, Dragan Krapović, and Germany's Boris Pistorius, signed today at the ILA air show in Berlin, a "Government-to-Government" agreement between the governments of the two countries, under which Montenegro will purchase four new multi-purpose helicopters of the H-145M type manufactured by "Airbus Helicopters" for the needs of the Air Force of the Army of Montenegro (VCG).

These are helicopters ordered by the German Bundeswehr (armed forces), for which a contract was signed with Airbus Helicopters in mid-December last year for a total of 62 helicopters, plus an additional 20 aircraft as an option.

In the meantime, options have also been exercised, so the entire order will amount to 82 helicopters with a total value of over 930 million euros.

Delivery of all aircraft from this contingent will begin in 2027 and will last two years.

By joining the German order from Airbus, Montenegro will receive a more favorable price for four new aircraft that will become part of the Air Force of the Montenegrin Armed Forces, but also a safer and more efficient logistical support system in terms of servicing these helicopters and delivering spare parts for them.

Airbus's H-145M multi-purpose helicopter is designed to transport up to ten people, in combat version, and is used for air fire support, observation and reconnaissance of the terrain, as well as for landing special forces.

The helicopter is equipped with the latest generation optoelectronic and attack-navigation systems that enable it to perform tasks in all weather conditions, day and night.

This twin-engine helicopter reaches a maximum speed of 278 kilometers per hour, has a maximum operating altitude of 6.000 meters, a range of 630 kilometers, and a payload of 3.800 kilograms.

Several countries, including the United States (USA), have H-145M helicopters in their armed forces, and in the neighborhood it is used by the Serbian Army.

Krapović confirmed to the media in Berlin that Montenegro will also become a new member of the European "Sky Shield" initiative for the joint procurement of air defense (AVO) systems.

He did not specify which system will be purchased for the needs of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, but most likely, taking into account the configuration of the terrain in Montenegro and its objective needs, it will be one of the modern new European short-range missile air defense systems.

Krapović today presented his German counterpart Boris Pistorius with a letter of intent from the Montenegrin Government to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), led by Germany.

Montenegro would thus become the 24th participating country in this initiative launched in 2022, for the joint procurement and integration of air defense systems in Europe.

The official statement from the Ministry of Defense states that Krapović was on a working visit to Germany, during which he visited the International Aviation and Space Technology Fair (ILA Berlin Air Show).

"On that occasion, the Minister met with the Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany, Boris Pistorius, with whom he signed the Agreement on Cooperation in the Procurement of Military and Defense Equipment, Training and Services between the Government of Montenegro and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. The special significance of this document is reflected in the fact that it represents the first G2G (Government-to-Government) agreement of this kind concluded by the Federal Republic of Germany, which confirmed the high level of mutual trust and partnership between the two countries, and at the same time laid the foundation for future joint projects in the field of modernization of defense capacities and capabilities," the statement emphasizes.

The Ministry of Defense said that during the meeting with Pistorius, Krapović emphasized the very important role of Germany in the context of strengthening the European pillar of transatlantic security.

"He praised the significant increase in Germany's defense budget and their plan to achieve the criteria adopted by leaders at the NATO Summit in The Hague last year, even before 2035. He particularly emphasized Germany's continued support for Ukraine, both through NATO mechanisms and in the context of the role of one of the leading nations in the Contact Group for the Defense of Ukraine (CGD), as well as the strengthening of joint defense production. The Minister emphasized Germany's leadership role in the European Sky Protection Initiative, which was launched with the aim of creating a single European air and missile defense system. Highlighting the advantages of the Initiative in terms of providing opportunities for European countries to jointly procure equipment for air and missile defense purposes, on more favorable terms, he used the meeting with Minister Pistorius to present him with a Letter of Intent regarding Montenegro's accession to this initiative," the Ministry of Defense said.

The statement says that during a meeting with State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Defense Jens Pletner, Krapović emphasized that relations between Montenegro and Germany are based on trust, shared values, and a strong partnership.

"He emphasized that, in times of current security circumstances, it is of particular importance to preserve unity and solidarity among allies, and that the Federal Republic of Germany represents one of the most important pillars of European stability. Krapović informed his interlocutor that Montenegro remains strongly committed to contributing to strengthening collective security, through active participation in NATO missions, operations and activities, improving defense capabilities, as well as through a credible increase in defense spending," the statement reads.

In the context of achieving Montenegro's key foreign policy goal, membership in the European Union, Krapović emphasized that the successfully organized EU-Western Balkans Summit on June 4-5 confirmed the determination and readiness of our country to fulfill the necessary tasks in order to become a full-fledged EU member.

"In this regard, he emphasized that the support that the Federal Republic of Germany provides to Montenegro on its European path is of great importance for its reform process and further institutional development," the statement said.