VSF you must be joking. They cannot even perform a regular contract out of EHKD, and I have from several sources that their idea of SAR "cover" is not what you and me would expect.
However, it seems that NOGEPA have painted themselves in a corner and have decided that they are good enough; probably hoping for the best while the military are trying to get the NH90 operational for SAR.
This is a very bad move as it lowers the bar for safety. Chances are nothing will happen to show them up, thereby "proving" that they are good enough. So more will be done on the cheap.
Safety is important until it costs money. Cynical, moi?
