Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has prepared its U.S. helicopter fleet to secure the latest Muslim pilgrimage.

Officials said the Interior Ministry has ordered the deployment of the U.S.-origin S-92 multi-role helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. They said the ministry’s General Security

Aviation Command to monitor the millions of pilgrims as well as respond to emergencies or attacks.

“Security aviation will take part in emergency cases, including terrorists attacks,” the aviation unit commander Gen. Mohammed Id Al Harbi said.

Officials said the aviation command would deploy 18 S-92s as well as other assets. They cited the S-70 Black Hawk, a military helicopter produced by Sikorsky.

Pilgrims from around the world have been streaming to Mecca for Id Al Adha, which began on Oct. 4. Officials said the aviation command was deploying 450 personnel to operate and process information from the helicopters.

“The aircraft are equipped with thermal cameras and shooting platforms,” Al Harbi said.

Officials said the S-92 would be used mostly for transportation and reconnaissance. In contrast, the S-70 contains a weapons platform designed to respond to any insurgency threat.

The aircraft underwent an upgrade over the last year to prepare for the pilgrimage. Officials acknowledged such threats as Islamic State of Iraq and Levant as well as Iranian proxies.

“The security aircraft are ready,” Al Harbi said. “There is support and backup for aircraft, which are ready with all their technical aircrew who are based in security aviation air bases in the kingdom as back up if needed.”

  Haj, S-92, Saudis deploy U.S. copter fleet to secure Haj pilgrimage, Sikorsky, WorldTribune.com