Article Posted on : - Mar 19, 2012

EC225 in flight. Photo: Japan MoD

PARIS (BNS): The Ministry of Defence, Japan, has signed a contract with Eurocopter to acquire an EC225, a heavy twin-engine helicopter from Eurocopter's Super Puma family.

The new 11-ton helicopter will replace the damaged EC225 which was submerged during the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

The aircraft is popularly used for passenger transportation and search and rescue missions. The EC225 for the Ministry of Defence will be delivered in February 2015.

"The strength of the EC225 was clearly demonstrated during the disaster relief efforts, which was very much appreciated by our customers," said Stephane Ginoux, President & CEO of Eurocopter Japan.

Recent procurements of this model by the Japan Coast Guard, Tokyo Fire Department, and now the Ministry of Defense, have given great recognition to the capability of the EC225. Eurocopter Japan will also continue to provide efficient services to ensure undisrupted operations for our customers."