BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Eurocopter is claiming victory in Australia's Air 9000 military helicopter fleet rationalisation project and expects to be awarded an initial contract for 11 NH90s by the end of this month. The Defence Materiel Organisation has completed an evaluation that favours the NH90 over a rival bid from Sikorsky. But the final outcome of the competition is subject to approval with the next two weeks by the National Security Committee of the Australian Cabinet.
Follow-on purchases for up to 50 NH90s are also expected over the next 15 years as replacements for Sikorsky Black Hawks. The initial 11 helicopters are growth aircraft. Eurocopter says it will fulfil its offset requirement for the NH90 purchase by handing work to EADS subsidiary Australian Aerospace.
Source: Flight International
