Serbian Minister of Defence Dragan Sutanovac met today with pilots from the 119th mixed helicopter squadron from Nis who were engaged in putting out forest fires on Stara Planina Mt.
The ministry adds in a statement that Sutanovac praised their efforts to extinguish the fires although only three helicopters were engaged in the operation which nevertheless managed to discharge over 150 tonnes of water.
Minister Sutanovac said that the Serbian Army has well-trained pilots, but lacks equipment that is in working order which is why it is necessary to provide another four helicopters for that purpose.
He announced that next year there will be better opportunities for investing in technical equipment of the Serbian Army and raising the living standards of its members.