Botswana Police Orders Three AS350 B3e From Airbus Helicopters

Botswana’s Police Service today signed for a contract for three new AS350 B3e Ecureuil Airbus Helicopters aircraft for its Police Air Support Branch.

The new helicopters will be customised to the Botswana Police Service’s specification, including the installation of night vision equipment for night-time operations and other law enforcement equipment. The start of delivery of the new aircraft is scheduled for later in 2015.

The additional helicopters with their enhanced capability will fulfil Botswana’s requirement for an expanded airborne law enforcement and crime prevention force.

Airbus Helicopters Southern Africa General Manager, Arnaud Montalvo said: “We are proud to continue our relationship with the Botswana Police Air Support Unit and that it has selected the AS350 B3e, which has a proven pedigree in police missions – especially in hot and high conditions typical of the much of Botswana. We are confident these aircraft will make an enormous contribution to safeguarding the citizens of Botswana and their property”.

In addition to the helicopters, Airbus Helicopters will also train Botswana Police Air Support Branch pilots and mechanics.