AgustaWestland North America has been awarded a $37.6 million foreign military sales contract by the US Army to deliver two AW139s to Egypt.

The multi-role helicopters are expected to be assembled at the company's plant at Philadelphia Northeast airport, with the deal also including a logistics support and training package, plus search-and-rescue equipment and medical kits. Deliveries will conclude by 30 November 2012, the US Department of Defense says.

Industry sources say the first FMS contract for the AW139 is likely to lead to follow-on business with Egypt, which has a requirement for an undisclosed number of multi-role helicopters.

AgustaWestland North America in November 2009 secured a $17.3 million contract via the US Navy to perform depot-level maintenance on three Egyptian air force Westland Sea King transport helicopters. The work was performed at its maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Source: Flight International