Germany's army special forces command, the Kommando Spezialkräfte, has ordered 15 Eurocopter EC645 T2 light twin helicopters in a deal worth €194 million ($254 million) including mission equipment.
"By selecting the EC645 T2 the Bundeswehr is setting an international benchmark," says Wolfgang Schoder, chief executive of Eurocopter Germany. "They are putting their faith in proven technologies from around the world."
Deliveries will start in 2015 and run until mid-2017, says Eurocopter. Mission equipment include a fast rope system, cargo hooks and hoists alongside pintle armament and electro-optical sensors. The helicopters are also fitted with a self-protection system and ballistic protection.
Other operators of the type include the US Army, which operates a fleet of more than 270 of the EC145-based rotorcraft that it designates the UH-72A Lakota.
Source: Flight International