Elbit Systems has finally signed a €57.3 million ($67 million) contract to upgrade 12 Mil Mi-24 assault and six Mi-17 transport helicopters to NATO standards for the Bulgarian air force.
Elbit and Lockheed Martin were selected in December 2004, but talks halted last March following a legal challenge. That hurdle finally collapsed last month after an appeal by Elbit.
The Mi-24 avionics upgrade and life-extension programme will enable operations until 2020, with the first two modified aircraft to enter flight test next June. The Mi-17s will receive a more modest upgrade under the deal, which will conclude in 2008.
Most of the work will be done at Terem’s Georgi Benkovski and Letec facilities, with the Bulgarian firm expecting support from Ukrainian companies.
Sofia has also agreed a 10-year offset deal with Eurocopter linked to a €360 million order for 12 air force AS532AL Cougars and six navy AS565MB Panthers.
Source: Flight International
