TSAMTO, August 18. Algeria intends to purchase four Be-200 amphibious aircraft to extinguish forest fires, RIA Novosti reports, citing the Algerian military department.
The ministry contacted two plants with a "world reputation" in accordance with the directive of the President of Algeria, according to a press release received by RIA Novosti.
"The choice fell on a Russian plant with a world reputation. The relevant bodies of the Ministry of Defense have reached an agreement on the acquisition of four Be-200 aircraft as soon as possible... they have proven their effectiveness in fighting forest fires in many countries, " the ministry said.
Since 2003, the Be-200 has been used to combat the fire element both in Russia and abroad: in France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Turkey. In 2010, the Be-200 received a certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and in subsequent years – several other permits, RIA Novosti notes.