New Delhi, April 15, 2006 (DefenceIndia)

With aid from the German Government, the Albanian Defense Ministry and Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH have recently signed a contract for the delivery of 12 modernized BO105 helicopters.

The 10 million euro contract will be spread over a period of 3 years.

The helicopters are a gift from the German Government to the Albanian Government. They will be modernized in the Donauworth plant and be converted into the BO105 E 4 version, whose performances are close to those of the civil CB-4 version.

Eurocopter Deutschland is tasked with integrating the optional equipment for the missions, including emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), and VIP transport. Eurocopter Deutschland is also responsible for pilot training.

The acquisition of the 12 BO105 E-4 helicopters is part of Albania's ongoing drive to modernize its armed forces and satisfy the conditions for NATO membership. The helicopters will also be operated by the Interior Ministry and the Health Ministry to help out in humanitarian operations and to ferry aid to populations off the beaten track in the mountains.

The first deliveries will be made in the last three months of 2006.

The conversion of other BO105M VBH helicopters from the German Armed Forces is also under consideration with a view to future sales.
Eurocopter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2005, EADS generated revenues of € 34.2 billion and employed a workforce of about 113.000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo.