Deal Worth Nearly Two Billion Euros

French Defense Procurement Agency DGA has ordered 68 NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters from the NHIndustries. The consortium is comprised of Eurocopter, AgustaWestland and Stork Fokker.

DGA placed 12 firm orders for the NH90 through NAHEMA, with committments for 22 more helos in 2008 and another 34 for 2010. Total value of the contract is €1.8 billion, including taxes.

"This order proves that the NH90 is perfectly adapted to the requirements of helicopter transport operations in the years to come," said Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter. "It also underscores the French army’s repeated confidence in the products and support provided by the Eurocopter group.”

The NH90 is a helicopter in the 9-10 metric ton class destined to “rejuvenate” the tactical transport and anti-submarine combat fleets. The program was jointly launched by four countries -- Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands -- which were subsequently joined by Portugal and Belgium.

The NH90 has been purchased by Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, the Sultanate of Oman, Australia, New Zealand and Spain. This new contract raises the number of firm orders for the NH90 to 507 helicopters.

The aircraft destined for the French army will be manufactured at Eurocopter’s Marignane site.

FMI: www.eurocopter.com