DENEL HAS confirmed the company is planning to enter the contest to supply the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) new reconnaissance and troop-lift helicopters, with the Rooivalk and the Oryx aircraft, respectively.
While the ADF was widely known to be looking for a replacement for its existing Bell Kiowa reconnaissance helicopters, the project has been significantly revised in recent weeks. This coincides with the Australian Army preparing to release a blueprint for force development into the next century.
The document, known as Army 21, expected to be released in the third quarter, is understood to emphasise increasing the mobility of ground forces by using vehicles and aerial platforms.
The ADF has confirmed, however, that the Kiowa replacement programme, known as Project Air 87, is being expanded to incorporate a fire-support/ground-attack helicopter and an increased troop-lift capability. This will take the form of either an extension of its Sikorsky Black Hawk purchase, or the entry of an entirely new class of aircraft into the force structure.
French Government export agency OFEMA confirmed on 3 June that the Eurocopter consortium is to contest the Australian requirement, with a bid structured around the Eurocopter Tiger and NH Industries' NH90.
Officials of the South African company briefed Australian policy-makers on 28 May in Canberra on the capabilities of the Rooivalk and the Oryx.
Source: Flight International
