Serbia's interior ministry (MUP) has revealed its use of attack helicopters during the recent combined military/police exercise Shield 2001. The exercise, at the Nikinci test range around 80km (43nm) from Belgrade, demonstrated counter-terrorist and anti-insurgent techniques. Participating helicopters belonging to the MUP special operations unit (Jedinica za Specijalne Operacije or JSO) included a Mil Mi-24VHind (right), an Aerospatiale SA342 Gazelle - armed with a 20mm GIAT cannon and 68mm SNEB unguided rocket pods - and an Agusta BellAB212 carrying an assault squad. The JSO is also believed to operate Mil Mi-17Hips.
Source: Flight International
