Australia has signed an A$1 billion ($760 million) contract for the supply of 12 NH Industries MRH90 helicopters for the Australian Army under its Project Air 9000 Phase 2 additional trooplift project. Eight aircraft will be assembled in Brisbane by EADS subsidiary Australian Aerospace, but the first four will be built in France, with initial deliveries in 2007. All 12 will be delivered by 2009. Meanwhile, Australia's Civil Maritime Surveillance 2004 (CMS04) programme faces a further setback, as the Australian Customs Service now says contracts will not be awarded until September. The service cites "some administrative delay", but says progress with evaluation of the proposals from industry has been satisfactory. Services are currently provided by Surveillance Australia and Reef Helicopters.
Source: Flight International
