Spain has announced its intention to buy an initial batch of 45 NH90 transport helicopters from Europe's NH Industries (NHI). The proposed deal will support Spain's positioning as the so-called "third pillar" of Franco-German Eurocopter, which holds a 62.5% stake in NHI, and which also includes AgustaWestland (32%) and Stork Fokker (5.5%). Madrid, which in 2003 ordered 24 Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters for delivery from 2007, has yet to provide details of its expected fleet mix of tactical transport and naval NH90s or announce a deadline for contract signing. It has also still to identify its planned total NH90 buy beyond the initial 45 aircraft. Eurocopter is expected to place a high percentage of assembly work in Spain under the deal.
Source: Flight International
