Defence

Eurocopter and Indonesian Aerospace have signed an agreement that will see the European helicopter manufacturer set up an assembly line for the Super Puma MKII in Bandung, Indonesia.

The EADS subsidiary says that the contract is worth $42 million over 10 years, with serial production due to begin in 2011. A series of training programmes will take place initially for the next three years, with a Eurocopter team permanently posted in Bandung for technical assistance and the exchange of technological know-how.

IAe's partnership with Eurocopter began in 1976 with the licensed production of 118 BO105 helicopters. This was followed in the 1980s by a full licensed production of 11 Puma SA330 and 19 Super Puma AS332 helicopters.

© Eurocopter

"For Eurocopter, the reinforcement of this local partnership shows its readiness to support the Indonesian authorities and industry for their present and future operations. International partnerships are completely in line with the group's multi-local player strategy and allow for the blossoming of long-lasting relationships with the respective countries," says Eurocopter.

Indonesia is viewed as one of the most lucrative markets for helicopter manufacturers in South-East Asia due to the country's growing oil and gas exploration market, and the fact that rotorcraft are among the most efficient ways of getting around the sprawling archipelago.