Norway To Buy AW101 Helicopters Worth $732 Million

AgustaWestland has won a contract for the delivery of 16 new AW101 search and rescue helicopters to Norway, with the official agreement worth $732 Million to be signed on 19th November. 

The contract will provide a significant strengthening of the public search and rescue service and ensure emergency readiness throughout the country.

“I am very pleased that we soon will be signing the contract with AgustaWestland. This will insure a significantly improved safety for people at sea, along the coast and in remote areas around the country,” says the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Anders Anundsen.

The new helicopters will be able to relieve significantly more people in distress, be noticeably faster and with longer range than today - under virtually all weather conditions. Additionally, search capability and the possibility for medical treatment are significantly improved.

AgustaWestland AW 101 is the candidate that in total, after intensive negotiations, best meets the demands for Norway's future SAR helicopter. On 7 November 2013 the Government gave the Ministry of Justice and Public Security the authorization to finalize the negotiation and sign the contract for the new rescue helicopter.

The acquisition process started on 21 October 2011 with the announcement of prequalification. Tender documents were released on12. July 2012 and the offers was received from four bidders on 18 December the same year. The intention is to sign the contract with AgustaWestland after the standstill period of fourteen days has expired.