THE NETHERLANDS Government has delayed for a second time the selection of an attack helicopter to meet a NGL1.5 billion ($875 million) requirement for 32 aircraft for the army.
Cabinet officials say that the choice could now be put off until March. The leading contenders for the deal are McDonnell Douglas, with the AH-64 Apache, and Eurocopter, offering the Tiger. The Netherlands defence ministry favours the former, while the industry department is backing the Tiger. The stand off between the two ministries is believed to be behind the continued selection delay.
Other contenders include Agusta, with the A.129 International, Atlas, proposing the Rooivalk, and Bell Helicopter Textron, offering the AH-1W.
Source: Flight International
