PARIS (Agefi-Dow Jones) – The Minister of Arms announced on Wednesday the order for 169 “Gupard” Airbus helicopters in order to renew the fleet of three weapons (land, air, navy).
“The 169 aircraft ordered will be distributed between the Land Army (80), the French Navy (49) and the Air and Space Army (40). Deliveries will begin in 2027”, specified the minister in a press release.
This contract, worth 10 billion euros, also includes the supply of the support system and maintenance in operational condition for ten years.
The Airbus aircraft was selected in 2017 as part of the light combined arms helicopter (HIL) program, the launch of which, initially scheduled for 2022, was anticipated by one year. This program aims to replace five types of helicopters contributing to combat, intelligence, operational light transport, support, training and public service missions with a single aircraft.
The concept of a “single fleet” will make it possible to pool development costs between the three arms. It will also make it possible to optimize support by benefiting from scale effects, for example on stocks of spare parts, said the Minister of Arms.
This program will provide 2,000 jobs and ensure the industrial activity of the Airbus Helicopters site in Marignane for the next 15 years, the Minister also indicated. The first productions will start in 2024.
-Franois Schott, Agefi-Dow Jones; 01 41 27 47 92; [email protected] ed: JEB
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December 22, 2021 11:36 ET (16:36 GMT)