Israel's public security ministry has awarded Elbit Systems a 20-year contract to supply the nation's police force with six new helicopters, and to deliver maintenance services for the fleet. Announced on 27 August, the private finance initiative (PFI) agreement is worth around $115 million, the company says.
To replace in-service Bell 206 rotorcraft, the new fleet will be a mix of Airbus Helicopters H125 and H145s.
"The helicopters’ configuration and onboard mission systems will be fitted to accommodate a wide variety of missions, such as surveillance and policing, search and rescue, command and control, and fire-fighting," says Elbit.
Elbit chief executive Bezhalel Machlis says the deal to supply the police helicopter squadron "attests to the success" of the company's existing PFI programmes, which include "operating fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and unmanned systems fleets, both in Israel and worldwide".
Source: FlightGlobal.com
