Date:08/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/08/stories/2007100860341600.htm

National

India to buy 197 helicopters

Paris: India will soon sign a deal with European defence major EADS for the purchase of 197 Fennec helicopters for use by its Army, particularly in high altitude regions such as Siachen.

An agreement for the supply of AS 550 Fennec helicopters for the Indian Navy might follow as the latter had expressed interest in acquiring these.

“We are in the final phase of having a deal to supply 197 (Fennec) light helicopters for the Indian Army. The contract is expected to be signed by this year end,” EADS senior vice-president for South Asia, Allain Letanoux, told Indian journalists here. The deal would involve transfer of technology.

Though Mr. Letanoux did not specify the volume of the contract, the deal is believed to be worth $600 million. — PTI