Eurocopter launches centre to supply helicopters to army
The Franco-German Eurocopter group today officially launched a regional maintenance centre in Malaysia as part of a bid to supply 11 helicopters worth some RM250 million to the Malaysian army.
Senior executive vice president Philippe Harache said at a ceremony witnessed by France's Deputy Foreign Minister Renaud Muselier that "Eurocopter Malaysia" would be dedicated to logistical and technical support for customers.
The ceremony, attended by Malaysian deputy defence minister Shafie Apdal, included the signing of a cooperation agreement with local group Zetro Aerospace, which would be involved in customisation of the aircraft if Eurocopter wins the army tender, Harache said.
The only other competitor for the contract to supply light observation helicopters is the Anglo-Italian venture AgustaWestland, a Eurocopter executive told AFP . He said a decision on the tender was expected soon.
Harache said that "within the scope of this tender we have offered a very important cooperation programme" representing more than RM380 million in terms of investment, technology transfer and business volume.
The programme includes customisation, manufacture of parts and the creation of a Eurocopter flight academy for the training of up to 40 pilots a year.
The Franco-German Eurocopter group today officially launched a regional maintenance centre in Malaysia as part of a bid to supply 11 helicopters worth some RM250 million to the Malaysian army.
Senior executive vice president Philippe Harache said at a ceremony witnessed by France's Deputy Foreign Minister Renaud Muselier that "Eurocopter Malaysia" would be dedicated to logistical and technical support for customers.
The ceremony, attended by Malaysian deputy defence minister Shafie Apdal, included the signing of a cooperation agreement with local group Zetro Aerospace, which would be involved in customisation of the aircraft if Eurocopter wins the army tender, Harache said.
The only other competitor for the contract to supply light observation helicopters is the Anglo-Italian venture AgustaWestland, a Eurocopter executive told AFP . He said a decision on the tender was expected soon.
Harache said that "within the scope of this tender we have offered a very important cooperation programme" representing more than RM380 million in terms of investment, technology transfer and business volume.
The programme includes customisation, manufacture of parts and the creation of a Eurocopter flight academy for the training of up to 40 pilots a year.
Close ties
Muselier said France and Malaysia shared close relations and were "jointly against terrorism, extremism and fanaticism.
"We can work together to combat these challenges. You can rely on us and we can rely on you," he said.
Muselier said Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad would hold talks with French President Jacques Chirac in France on Saturday.
The French deputy minister later held talks with Mahathir, Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar and Defence Minister Najib Razak where he pressed on the need to cooperate to combat terrorism.
Muselier told AFP that he raised the need to share information on terrorist networks and how both the countries could join hands in the anti-terror war.
During talks with Najib, they discussed a RM3.9 billion deal sealed in June to buy three French submarines to establish Malaysia's first fleet of subs, defence officials said.
France would train 186 Malaysian officials over the next two to four years to operate the submarines, they added. AFP
