Airbus Helicopters lands $162 mn contract for French military rotorcraft support

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World Aviation Defense & Security Industry News - Airbus Helicopters
 
 
Airbus Helicopters lands $162 mn contract for French military rotorcraft support
 
The France-based rotorcraft manufacturer Airbus Helicopters on May 31 was awarded a 145 million euros (US$162 mn) contract to support the French military helicopters fleet, the European tenders electronic daily (Ted) announced on Thursday.
     
A Tiger attack helicopter and a NH90 Caïman utility helicopter from the French Army Light Aviation
(Credit: Airbus Helicopters)
     
Under this 145 721 057 euros order awarded by the French Defence Ministry's integrated through-life support structure for aeronautical equipment and systems (SIMMAD), Airbus Helicopters will provide "[French] State helicopters operational maintenance and repair" services, without giving more details regarding the duration or the platforms the contract involves.

This support service contract comes as the French helicopters fleet eyes a single aircraft, the Airbus H160, to replace an aging and varied fleet of Alouette, Dauphin, Fennec, Gazelle, Panther and Puma.

The French helicopters are currently facing a rate of availability not exceeding 50%. Former French defense minister Jean-Yves Le Drian recently launched a reorganization plan to reinforce the operational readiness of French choppers. This plan is to include a "real technical and cultural revolution in the sustainment process of these aircraft, wether it concerns industrials, services or armed forces", Le Drian said.