Five decades of Eurocopter helicopter operations by the Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie were celebrated last week at the 2012 Marrakech Air Show, where a commemorative plaque was presented to the military service.

The Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie Air Squadron operates a fleet of Eurocopter rotorcraft that covers the company’s product range, with an inventory including SA3130 Alouette II, SA315 Lama, SA316 Alouette III, SA342 Gazelle, SA330 Puma, AS355 Ecureuil, AS550 Fennec, EC135, EC145, EC225, EC332 Super Puma and AS365 Dauphin.

Duties performed by this fleet range from search and rescue, medical airlift and anti-crime missions to VIP transport and firefighting.

“The Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie is an example of world-class excellence in helicopter operations, and it is highly appropriate that we honor 50 years of service with its diverse Eurocopter fleet,” said Loïc Porcheron, Eurocopter's Vice President for Middle East and Africa.

Presentation of the commemorative Eurocopter plaque was made at the Marrakesh Air Show to Colonel Major Lahcen Beraoud, who received it on behalf of General Four Stars Commanding Officer of the Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie.