Amid the debate about the suitability of the Bell 206 helicopter in assisting the Joint Services in fighting crime, the army yesterday made it clear that it was extremely comfortable with the acquisition, saying the machines were checked and inspected by its engineers and are affordable to maintain.

It also said that its decision to consult or not with experts in the helicopter or aviation industry for that matter “is the business of the GDF and not the fantasy of acid critics”.
One of the helicopters is already in the army’s possession while another of the same make is expected in another ten days .

At a press conference yesterday, army Chief-of-Staff, Commodore Gary Best, said the force found it necessary to bring some perspective to the controversy surrounding the acquisition of the two Bell 206 B 3 Jet Ranger helicopters. This was the only issue that the press conference addressed……