The helicopters which the United States donated to Croatia have arrived to the Zemunik Airbase.
Eleven of the remaining OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters, which are part of the project of equipping the Croatian Armed Forces with reconnaissance and attack helicopters through the support of the Armed Forces of the United States, were delivered on Saturday to the 93rd Airbase of the Croatian Air Force and Air Defence at Zemunik near Zadar, reports Jutarnji List on December 3, 2016.
In addition to five helicopters which were delivered at the end of July, today’s shipment marked the completion of the delivery of 16 OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters which will be part of the helicopter squadron at the Zemunik Airbase, announced the Ministry of Defence. The helicopters, spare parts and equipment have arrived in American C-5 Galaxy aircraft.
The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters were produced in the period between 2010 and 2012. They are equipped with a standard set of weapons, optical-electronic sensors and radio communication and navigation equipment. The presentation of the latest group of helicopters is planned for the following period.
The primary purpose of the helicopters is related to their reconnaissance and attack capabilities. In combat conditions, they are used for anti-armour operations, close air support and to escort and protect convoys, precisely guide the artillery fire, and fight in urban areas. In addition, the helicopters have the ability to attack targets on the surface by day and night, have advanced manoeuvre and attack capabilities, and the ability to defend themselves.
According to the Ministry of Defence, with the introduction into operational use of these helicopters, the Armed Forces will develop their ability to command and control from the air due to modern communication systems which are built in the helicopters and which provide timely and comprehensive information for making operational decisions. Also, the helicopters will enhance the ability to support civilian institutions in all conditions and levels of threats.
