Eurocopter likely to deliver 12 EC725 helicopters to Malaysia

Malaysian Defence Ministry issues Letter of Acceptance to Eurocopter for the supply 12 EC725 helicopters for search and rescue (SAR) missions. Eurocopter Senior Executive Vice President Philippe Harache said the helicopters, to be operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, are scheduled for initial delivery in 2012, followed by the remainder of this fleet over a period of two years. Eurocopter is working together with the government to finalise the contract, including the terms and conditions, he told reporters on the sidelines of Defence Services Asia 2010 here Tuesday. "It's a global contract package, which by the way, still has to be signed. This morning, the minister said that the Cabinet meeting this Friday should definitely confirm what has been announced today, and detailing the various aspects of this contract," he added. Harache said the new EC725 will complement and eventually replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force's ageing Sikorsky S-61 helicopter fleet, known as Nuri.