France has ordered 68 NH90 helicopters in the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) version. 12 of these are firm orders, 22 will ber order in 2008 and 34 in 2010.
The total amount of the contract, for the 68 helicopters, is about €1.8 billion.
For Lutz Bertling, CEO of Eurocopter, ``this order proves that the NH90 is perfectly adapted to the requirements of helicopter transport operations in the years to come. It also underscores the French armys repeated confidence in the products and support provided by the Eurocopter group.``
The NH90 is a helicopter in the 9-10 metric ton class destined to ``rejuvenate`` the tactical transport and anti-submarine combat fleets. The programme was jointly launched by four countries, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands, which were subsequently joined by Portugal and Belgium. The NH90 has been purchased by Sweden, Finland, Norway, Greece, the Sultanate of Oman, Australia, New Zealand and Spain. This new contract raises the number of firm orders for the NH90 to 507 helicopters.
The aircraft destined for the French army will be manufactured at Eurocopter`s Marignane site