Article Posted on : - Nov 25, 2010

A file photo of Cougar helicopters.

PARIS (BNS): French defence procurement agency Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) will modernise four Cougar helicopters for $293.46 million.

Three upgraded helicopters will be awarded to French army and one to the Air Force.

This contract is a new installment of a previous contract that was awarded to Eurocopter in January 2008 for the modernisation of the armed forces’ entire fleet of Cougars, according to defense-aerospace website.

The new upgraded helicopters will help to maintain the operational capabilities at battlefield and it will be able for tactical transport (up to 20 passengers) by day and night.

Under the contract, the helicopters avionics and self-protection equipment will be mordernise. The helicopters will be also equipped with terminals for the new army aviation communications system.

French army is also planning to enter NH90 in service by mid-decade.