Japan's coastguard is looking to acquire three helicopters to replace its fleet of three Eurocopter AS332 Super Pumas. AgustaBell is pitching the AB139 and Sikorsky the S-76 for the new requirement.
Manufacturers expect the coastguard to define the requirement this year and then begin a competition, but warn a purchase could be delayed by a couple of years because of budget constraints. The coastguard's limited budget has been drained over the last three years by the acquisition of three missionised Gulfstream GVs.
Manufacturers are hoping the helicopter acquisition will ultimately extend beyond the three replacement aircraft because the coastguard is planning a fleet expansion with a mix of ship-based and land-based helicopters. Japanese-assembled Mitsubishi/Sikorsky UH-60s are not a possibility because the coastguard can only acquire civilian aircraft.
Japan's National Police Agency is expected to issue a tender in April or May for three light helicopters to replace Bell 206s with either AgustaBell 109s, Bell 427s, Eurocopter EC135s or Eurocopter/Kawasaki BK117s.
Source: Flight International
