Eurocopter SAS, the world’s largest helicopter maker, had a German government order for attack and transport rotorcraft curtailed after more than a year of discussions over how to restructure the deal.
An agreement signed today cuts Germany’s Tiger attack helicopter program to 57 units from 80 and the number of NH90 troop transports to 82 units from 122, the Defense Ministry said in a statement. Germany will add 18 NFH90 maritime helicopters under the terms of the agreement, it said.
The German government has sought to amend the deal with Eurocopter, the helicopter arm of Toulouse, France-based European Aeronautic, Defence & Space Co. (EAD), to cut spending and bring the number of rotorcraft in line with a smaller military. The company, on the other hand, had been trying to assure its production capacities would not be undermined.
“The outcome is a clear win-win situation for both parties, and provides those involved with a resilient and sustainable solution for the future,” Eurocopter spokesman Christoph Mueller said by e-mail. “We took a tough stance in our negotiations, but our discussions were most constructive.”
Eurocopter has agreed to buy back 11 Tiger attack helicopters already handed over, the ministry said. The contract change, which still needs to be finalized, will free up significant budget, it said.
bloomberg
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