Follow-On Order Expected In 2010

The Japanese Ministry of Defence recently signed a contract for two EC135 helicopters with Euroheli, Eurocopter's distributor in Japan. A second contract for three additional helicopters will follow next year with the objective of attaining a fleet of 15 training aircraft in total for the Maritime Self-Defence Forces.

To be delivered before the end of this year, the EC135 helicopters are destined for the Naval Training School of Kanoya located on the island of Kyushu.

"We are extremely proud that our helicopters have been chosen by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces. This clearly shows the Japanese Navy's confidence in our products," said Lutz Bertling, Eurocopter CEO. "Like we announced at Japan Aerospace in Yokohama last year, we are determined to gain a foothold in the defence market in Japan. This contract award clearly brings us a step closer to achieving this goal and we remain committed to serving the needs of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces with our wide range of products, especially with the NH90 helicopter."

This new fleet of EC135 training helicopters will add to the 3 EC225 VIP helicopters, which entered into operation mid last year, currently flying for the Japanese Self-Defence Forces.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com