Following the fires that affected several regions of the country, and in execution of the instructions of the President of the Republic, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces, Minister of National Defence, to instruct the Ministry of National Defence to supervise the operation of Acquisition of aircraft specialized in the fight against forest fires, the Ministry of National Defence immediately launched the necessary consultations with world-renowned manufacturers, capable to fulfil the request as soon as possible. The choice fell on a world-famous Russian manufacturer. For this purpose, the relevant departments of the Ministry of National Defence have started negotiations with the said manufacturer for the acquisition of four (04) new amphibious multi-mission water bomber planes, of Russian manufacture type BERIEV-200 (BE- 200), twin-engine, with a capacity of 13,000 litres and capable of responding to forest fires in extreme and complex weather conditions.

      These internationally renowned water bombers (BE-200) have proven their worth during their use against forest fires which have already affected several countries around the world and will strongly support the efforts of the State in the fight against fires with the efficiency and required speed.