Article Posted on : - Jun 24, 2011

EC725 helicopters. Photo: EADS

PARIS (BNS): Eurocopter has signed a cooperation contract with Malaysian Ministry of Defence to deliver 12 EC725 helicopters to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

The contract was signed at the ongoing Pars Air show in France on Thursday.

This contract includes 13 comprehensive cooperation projects to be developed with the objective of strengthening Malaysian strategic aeronautical skills and capabilities together with specific attention in education through the development of aeronautical training capabilities in association with Malaysian Universities.

“This contract opens a new chapter in Eurocopter’s relationship with Malaysia and will bring high-value technology and know-how to the country in line with the Malaysian Government Vision 2020,” Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter Executive Vice President Global Business & Services, said.

The new EC725s will replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s current fleet of aging Sikorsky S-61 helicopters, which is known as NURI.

The EC725s will allow the Royal Malaysian Air Force to perform the search and rescue (SAR) and utility missions day and night, and in all weather conditions.