Two French made multi-role high speed twin engine helicopters have been inducted into the Army Aviation fleet increasing significantly the disaster management support capability of Bangladesh Army.

The two modern helicopters have been enrolled into the Army Aviation through an auspicious commissioning ceremony held at Army Aviation Complex at Tejgaon Old Airport Wednesday morning.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith was the chief guest at the ceremony while Army Chief Gen. Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan also spoke on the occasion.

Army Aviation, the integral flying organ of Bangladesh Army, operates both fixed wing and rotary aircrafts in its fleet for undertaking tasks like troops’ transportation, conduct of para dropping and rappelling exercise for army, aerial movement of logistics and combat supply.

Army Aviation is also now set to participate in UN peacekeeping operation with its helicopters fleet to further augment foreign exchange earning effort by Bangladesh Army.

The new Dauphin AS 365 N3+ helicopters, each having capacity of 12 passengers with a cruise speed of 269 km per hour and range of 807 kms, can excel in the most severe climatic conditions such as high altitudes or hot temperatures.

This is also the most cost effective medium twin engine helicopter with the lowest direct maintenance costs in its class.

Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said that the three forces in the country are service oriented as they are rendering service to the people.

He mentioned that the Bangladesh Army is giving wonderful service to the world in terms of peacekeeping missions, Air Force is often engaged in civilian rescue flights and relief deliveries while the Bangladesh Navy often helping the fishermen and people in distress in coastal areas.

The Finance Minister also extended his thanks to Eurocopter Group, a global helicopter manufacturing and support company, for providing these two choppers to Bangladesh Army.

High civil and military officials, foreign diplomats, and dignitaries from home and abroad were present at the function.