Rostec will Help to Establish Africa’s First Air Ambulance Service

Rostec will Help to Establish Africa’s First Air Ambulance Service

Russian Helicopters holding has delivered a batch of eighteen Ansats to the Republic of Zimbabwe. These light special-purpose helicopters are intended to form a basis for national air ambulance.  

Fast growth of cooperation between Russian Helicopters holding and the Republic of Zimbabwe commenced in 2022. A set of contracts was made for supply of Mi-17 and Ansat civil helicopters for key federal agencies of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

“Today we officially deliver a batch of Russian-made Ansats to the Republic of Zimbabwe. Eighteen Ansats are intended for air ambulance service. First of all – to save patients in hard-to-reach areas. Each medical helicopter is complete with full range of resuscitation and emergency equipment,” said Sergey Chemezov, CEO of Rosteс State Corporation.  

He pointed out that the air ambulance program implemented by joint efforts will be the first project of the kind in Africa. “By 2025, the Republic of Zimbabwe will receive sixteen Russian-made helicopters,” pointed out Sergey Chemezov. 

The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa remembered that Russia delivered the first Ansat medical helicopter and ambulance vehicle during the visit of the Russian delegation to the African republic in autumn 2022. 

“We are committed to further promote our cooperation. Rescue and emergency medical response skills give an excellent chance for enhancement of cooperation and friendship between the two countries. These helicopters will lay a foundation for modern medical aircraft fleet in Zimbabwe and help to promptly solve challenging tasks which sometimes occur during natural disasters,” emphasized the President.