TIRANA, January 27/ATA/ Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu was today at Farka Air Base, where he inspected the construction works of the new hangar for holding the Black Hawk helicopters.

Vengu stated that, “In this air base, there is being made a significant investment in regard to the needs of the new team of pilots and mechanics of the Black Hawk helicopters”.

He emphasized that this is a completely new hangar.

He emphasized that, "Following completion of the works on construction of this hangar, we aim to carry out maintenance work on Black Hawk helicopters in these facilities by our own mechanics, which significantly reduces maintenance costs and also significantly improves the level of readiness and operation."

“For the first time, we shall have a practically autonomous unit, where all the needs related to piloting, maintenance, operation of the Black Hawks will take place in a proper place where all the needs are addressed”, said Vengu.

On the other hand, Vengu added, "The crews of the new helicopters are being trained by our strategic ally, the USA, to carry out not only troop transport or medical evacuations, but also engage in civil emergencies and search and rescue operations."

Vengu also said that, “Our pilots are being certified, aiming for night flying, which means that the crews will also be available 24-hours a day”. /p.s./