Article Posted on : - Apr 09, 2012

EC725 helicopter. A Eurocopter photo

JAKARTA (BNS): European helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter has received a contract from an Indonesian firm to supply six EC725 military helicopters.

Under the contract, the amount of which was not disclose, Eurocopter will supply the six EC725 choppers in combat search and rescue configuration to PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace which will then customise and deliver them to the Indonesian Air Force.

"The aircraft, for delivery from Eurocopter starting in 2014, will be shipped to Indonesian Aerospace's facility in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, where they will be reassembled and customised before delivery to the Indonesian Air Force under a contract signed, between the Ministry of Defence and Indonesian Aerospace, on 12th March 2012," Eurocopter announced on April 5.

The EC725, a combat-proven multi-role helicopter in the 11-ton class, was selected by the Indonesian Air Force in 2011 to meet its requirements for a Combat Search and Rescue capable helicopter fleet.

The twin-engine EC725, a member of Eurocopter's Super Puma/Cougar family, will further extend Indonesian Aerospace's involvement with the type.

As well as building several SA330 Puma and AS332 Super Puma under license in Bandung for the Air Force, Indonesian Aerospace has held a contract with Eurocopter since 2008 for the manufacture of EC225 and EC725 tail booms and complete airframe assemblies, the European manufacturer said.