KIEV:
Ukraine on Saturday signed a contract
with France’s
Airbus to buy 55 of its civil
helicopters for 555 million euros in the biggest-ever
deal reached between the two countries.The
deal for the 24 H125, 10 H145 and 21 H225
helicopters was signed in Kiev by a representative of Ukraine’s interior ministry and
Airbus helicopters company bosses."This contract makes it possible to use 55
helicopters to ensure the safety of our citizens," Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said at the ceremony."This is an unprecedented volume and it opens up new opportunities for cooperation."The
helicopters are expected to be used for various civil security purposes, including border monitoring, policing and emergency situations."For us, this is highly symbolic. I want to thank you for this your choice," French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont said as the contract was inked on Bastille Day.The
deal includes not only the
helicopters themselves but also technical support and training for pilots.Of the 555 million euros, 85 percent will be covered by a loan from the French treasury and French banks. A delivery of first four H225 Super Puma
helicopters is expected this year.
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