France looking to lease EC225 helicopters

摘要

The French Armed Forces Ministry has issued a request for tenders to lease 20 EC225 helicopters. Published in late February, the request indicates that the total number of helicopters may vary. The contract would include adapting the EC225s for search and rescue (SAR) and security and intervention missions. The request for tenders also states that the helicopters will be sold at the end of the leasing contract, which also includes initial maintenance and training. The use of the previous EC225 designation rather than the current H225 name used by Airbus Helicopters suggests that the modified platforms might be second-hand aircraft.