AgustaWestland has delivered the first of four AW119Ke helicopters to the Finnish border guard.
The single-engined aircraft will be first of its type to be used for European law enforcement and homeland security helicopter markets. The helicopters were selected in 2008 as part of the border guard's fleet modernisation and enhancement programme. The aircraft will operate from Helsinki and Rovaniemi, in the Arctic Circle.
Finland is the latest in a large number of countries that operate or have chosen the AW119Ke for homeland security and public service applications, joining China, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, Uganda and the USA.
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© Finnish Border Guard |
About 190 helicopters have been ordered to date by almost 90 customers in nearly 30 countries for law enforcement, emergency medical services, VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport and firefighting.
The border guard is responsible for Finland's internal security, reporting to the ministry of the interior. Its main functions are guarding land borders and territorial waters, carrying out passport control at border crossing points, ports and airports, as well as law enforcement, maritime safety and performing search and rescue operations, especially at sea.
Source: Flight International
