US Revives Military Cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina Through Potential Delivery of Six Agusta A119 Helicopters
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Amid ongoing geopolitical instability in the Western Balkans, military cooperation between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina is regaining momentum. As reported by Dnevni Avaz on April 20, 2025, the Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, announced that the country will soon receive six Agusta A119 multipurpose helicopters as part of a bilateral military support program primarily funded by the United States. This delivery, which had been suspended under the previous U.S. administration, has been reactivated following recent high-level consultations between the two nations. The initiative reflects Washington’s intent to reinforce regional security and support Bosnia’s defense institutions in a politically sensitive environment.
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While it is not armed in its standard configuration, the A119 can be adapted for light weapon systems (machine guns, rockets) and tactical communication equipment (Picture source: WikiCommons)
The announcement comes ahead of a significant visit by a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States. Led by Minister Helez, accompanied by his deputy, Inspector General Edin Fako, and Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gojko Knežević, the delegation is scheduled to meet with senior officials at the Pentagon. It will be one of the first official international engagements with the newly installed U.S. defense leadership, giving the visit strategic importance.
The Agusta A119 Koala is a single-engine utility helicopter developed in the 1990s by Italian manufacturer Agusta and entered into service in 2000. Originally designed to meet civil aviation needs, the A119 is based on the AW109 airframe but differs in its use of a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A engine, housed in the same engine bay as its predecessor. Its fully articulated four-blade main rotor is made of composite materials, with tip caps to reduce noise, and elastomeric bearings that require no lubrication. The aircraft can carry up to seven passengers or two medical stretchers and is suited for various missions including transport, medical evacuation, law enforcement, surveillance, or liaison roles.
From a technical perspective, the A119 offers a spacious and modular cabin—approximately 30% larger than comparable aircraft in its class—with a separate baggage compartment. The platform can be equipped with a variety of systems depending on the mission, such as an external hoist, cargo hooks, dual flight controls, emergency flotation gear, rappelling kits, wire strike protection, searchlights, and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera. While it is not armed in its standard configuration, it can be adapted for light weapon systems (machine guns, rockets) and tactical communication equipment. The aircraft includes critical redundancies inspired by twin-engine helicopters, such as dual hydraulic systems and independent stability augmentation systems. The transmission is certified for 30 minutes of dry-run operation, enhancing safety in emergency scenarios. Reliable, cost-effective, and structurally robust, the Agusta A119 offers a flexible solution for support, training, or observation missions in civilian or paramilitary contexts.
According to details shared by Minister Helez with Bosnian media outlet “Avaz,” the meetings fall within the scope of bilateral defense consultations held every two to three years. Although the change in the U.S. administration had initially created uncertainty about the event, the confirmation of these engagements underscores the U.S. intention to maintain strong relations with Sarajevo. Minister Helez expressed hope that he would meet his American counterpart, subject to availability due to ongoing global developments.
In parallel to the main delegation, a second Bosnian delegation will visit the U.S. state of Maryland, reinforcing the institutional and multi-layered nature of this official mission. Discussions will cover three main areas: the current security situation in Bosnia and the surrounding region, which remains fragile due to internal political divisions; efforts to combat corruption in Bosnia and the broader Balkans, which the United States views as essential for regional stability and institutional credibility; and finally, the resumption of military cooperation programs, particularly those previously put on hold.
Among those programs, the delivery of six Agusta A119 helicopters—valued at an estimated 150 million convertible marks (approximately 75 million euros)—is a priority. Largely financed by the United States, the project is among the 20 percent of programs retained by the new U.S. administration. These light, versatile helicopters will enhance the Bosnian Armed Forces’ capabilities in transport, surveillance, and humanitarian support operations in a country characterized by complex terrain and limited infrastructure.
Asked what message he intends to convey to his American counterparts, Minister Helez stated that he will provide detailed information on the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including recent challenges to the constitutional and legal order, as well as broader regional stability issues. This reflects Bosnia’s emphasis on securing diplomatic and security support from the United States at a time when domestic political balances remain precarious.
In addition to Pentagon meetings, Minister Helez will hold a meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to Washington, Sven Alkalaj, on Monday. He will also attend the Spring Session of the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday as a representative of his country, underlining the broader diplomatic and economic dimensions of his trip.
The resumption of military cooperation between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, symbolized by the delivery of the Agusta A119 helicopters, highlights a shared objective to reinforce the defense capabilities of a key state in the Balkans. By reviving previously suspended projects, the U.S. administration signals its continued engagement with the region in the face of internal challenges and external influences. This visit to Washington—among the first undertaken by a foreign delegation since the change in the U.S. administration—could mark the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations in the areas of security and regional stability.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
Amid ongoing geopolitical instability in the Western Balkans, military cooperation between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina is regaining momentum. As reported by Dnevni Avaz on April 20, 2025, the Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, announced that the country will soon receive six Agusta A119 multipurpose helicopters as part of a bilateral military support program primarily funded by the United States. This delivery, which had been suspended under the previous U.S. administration, has been reactivated following recent high-level consultations between the two nations. The initiative reflects Washington’s intent to reinforce regional security and support Bosnia’s defense institutions in a politically sensitive environment.
While it is not armed in its standard configuration, the A119 can be adapted for light weapon systems (machine guns, rockets) and tactical communication equipment (Picture source: WikiCommons)
The announcement comes ahead of a significant visit by a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States. Led by Minister Helez, accompanied by his deputy, Inspector General Edin Fako, and Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gojko Knežević, the delegation is scheduled to meet with senior officials at the Pentagon. It will be one of the first official international engagements with the newly installed U.S. defense leadership, giving the visit strategic importance.
The Agusta A119 Koala is a single-engine utility helicopter developed in the 1990s by Italian manufacturer Agusta and entered into service in 2000. Originally designed to meet civil aviation needs, the A119 is based on the AW109 airframe but differs in its use of a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B-37A engine, housed in the same engine bay as its predecessor. Its fully articulated four-blade main rotor is made of composite materials, with tip caps to reduce noise, and elastomeric bearings that require no lubrication. The aircraft can carry up to seven passengers or two medical stretchers and is suited for various missions including transport, medical evacuation, law enforcement, surveillance, or liaison roles.
From a technical perspective, the A119 offers a spacious and modular cabin—approximately 30% larger than comparable aircraft in its class—with a separate baggage compartment. The platform can be equipped with a variety of systems depending on the mission, such as an external hoist, cargo hooks, dual flight controls, emergency flotation gear, rappelling kits, wire strike protection, searchlights, and a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera. While it is not armed in its standard configuration, it can be adapted for light weapon systems (machine guns, rockets) and tactical communication equipment. The aircraft includes critical redundancies inspired by twin-engine helicopters, such as dual hydraulic systems and independent stability augmentation systems. The transmission is certified for 30 minutes of dry-run operation, enhancing safety in emergency scenarios. Reliable, cost-effective, and structurally robust, the Agusta A119 offers a flexible solution for support, training, or observation missions in civilian or paramilitary contexts.
According to details shared by Minister Helez with Bosnian media outlet “Avaz,” the meetings fall within the scope of bilateral defense consultations held every two to three years. Although the change in the U.S. administration had initially created uncertainty about the event, the confirmation of these engagements underscores the U.S. intention to maintain strong relations with Sarajevo. Minister Helez expressed hope that he would meet his American counterpart, subject to availability due to ongoing global developments.
In parallel to the main delegation, a second Bosnian delegation will visit the U.S. state of Maryland, reinforcing the institutional and multi-layered nature of this official mission. Discussions will cover three main areas: the current security situation in Bosnia and the surrounding region, which remains fragile due to internal political divisions; efforts to combat corruption in Bosnia and the broader Balkans, which the United States views as essential for regional stability and institutional credibility; and finally, the resumption of military cooperation programs, particularly those previously put on hold.
Among those programs, the delivery of six Agusta A119 helicopters—valued at an estimated 150 million convertible marks (approximately 75 million euros)—is a priority. Largely financed by the United States, the project is among the 20 percent of programs retained by the new U.S. administration. These light, versatile helicopters will enhance the Bosnian Armed Forces’ capabilities in transport, surveillance, and humanitarian support operations in a country characterized by complex terrain and limited infrastructure.
Asked what message he intends to convey to his American counterparts, Minister Helez stated that he will provide detailed information on the current political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including recent challenges to the constitutional and legal order, as well as broader regional stability issues. This reflects Bosnia’s emphasis on securing diplomatic and security support from the United States at a time when domestic political balances remain precarious.
In addition to Pentagon meetings, Minister Helez will hold a meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ambassador to Washington, Sven Alkalaj, on Monday. He will also attend the Spring Session of the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday as a representative of his country, underlining the broader diplomatic and economic dimensions of his trip.
The resumption of military cooperation between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina, symbolized by the delivery of the Agusta A119 helicopters, highlights a shared objective to reinforce the defense capabilities of a key state in the Balkans. By reviving previously suspended projects, the U.S. administration signals its continued engagement with the region in the face of internal challenges and external influences. This visit to Washington—among the first undertaken by a foreign delegation since the change in the U.S. administration—could mark the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations in the areas of security and regional stability.
