What are the main types of missions performed by the Airborne Unit of the German Federal Police to protect borders and ensure homeland security?
Thomas Helbig: Our missions have changed over the past few years due to the Schengen Agreement. We are moving away from border protection to concentrate more on homeland security. In July 2005, the German Federal Border Guard changed its name to become the German Federal Police. Another new development was Switzerland joining the Schengen Area. Now, with the exception of our airports and maritime borders in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, Germany no longer has any borders with non-EU countries. But even if there are no more checkpoints along the borders with EU countries, these are still important security zones, and the Federal Police performs patrols both on the ground and in the air over a 30-km wide strip. The Airborne Unit also works with the German Coast Guard to ensure overall protection of the German borders—even out at sea. Two helicopters perform missions each and every day—one over the North Sea and the other over the Baltic Sea—to prevent illegal border crossings, smuggling and environmental pollution. Since 2006, our range of missions has increased, as we are now working in cooperation with FRONTEX, the European agency for border security. We perform patrols in the Mediterranean and are also working in the new EU member countries in Southeastern Europe to fight illegal immigration, human and drug trafficking, money laundering and contraband. The opening of borders between European countries has not only facilitated the circulation of goods and people; it has also made it easier for organized crime to spread from one country to another. This is one of the reasons why the German Federal Police is adopting an international approach.
In 1992, our mission scope was also expanded to include rail transport, when we were called on to patrol the German railways. We are particularly focused on the high-speed train network. We also perform missions to protect the Castor nuclear waste trains and to secure the airspace during major events in Germany. A case in point was the NATO summit meeting held in Strasburg and Baden- Baden on April 3 and 4, when all our helicopters and personnel were on duty. We were also tasked with transporting rapid deployment forces and guests for the summit.

The Airborne Unit of the German Federal Police operates one of the largest non-military fleets composed almost exclusively of Eurocopter helicopters. Which helicopters do you fly, and for which types of missions?
T. H.: Our 17 Super Pumas are used mainly to transport rapid deployment forces and the GSG 9 special forces unit of the German Federal Police, but they are also called on in response to natural disasters. Our 15 EC155s fly transport missions to protect German airspace and perform surveillance work. Three Super Pumas and five EC155s are set to be added to the fleet. The Super Pumas are scheduled for arrival at the end of 2010, and the EC155s at the end of 2011. The EC135, which you might call our “all-purpose utility vehicle”, is specialized in rescue missions. Sixteen of our 41 EC135s are operated by the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. They are maintained in perfect working order at twelve different air rescue centers. We also have a fleet of six EC120s for training.

What makes these helicopters so well-adapted to the aerial work performed by the German Federal Police?
T. H.: By law, before choosing a helicopter, we must issue a call for tenders in which the profile of the aircraft we want is precisely defined. Each of these calls for tender has led us to the same conclusion: Eurocopter offers the helicopters that are best adapted to the types of missions we perform. Another important point for us is that the different helicopters have similar cockpits, which facilitates piloting, maintenance and training. We feel we have established a true partnership with Eurocopter where both partners can air their views constructively. Eurocopter is very responsive when we make suggestions for improvements, and in terms of reliability, their products have never let us down.