AgustaWestland and Sikorsky disappointed as 'political decision' favours Eurocopter

Japan is poised to acquire three Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma VIP helicopters over the next three years without soliciting bids from rival companies AgustaWestland and Sikorsky.

Industry sources say Tokyo is preparing a Y3.5 billion ($33.4 million) budget to fund the purchase of the first EC225 in the fiscal year beginning 1 April 2005. Additional one-aircraft contracts will likely follow in 2006 and 2007 to replace the prime minister's fleet of three Eurocopter AS332 Super Pumas.

AgustaWestland and Sikorsky have been marketing the EH101 and S-92 over the last few years as potential AS332 replacements, but were told late last year to expect a Eurocopter sole-source contract. Sources say AgustaWestland and Sikorsky are disappointed with the decision, but have been advised not to press too hard in trying to persuade the government to hold a formal competition.

Japan is believed to favour Eurocopter for political reasons. The AS332s were acquired two decades ago to balance out other procurements from the USA and the Japanese government is again under pressure to buy more French equipment. An EC225 contract could be signed when Japan's defence minister visits France this year.

The VIP helicopters, operated by the army for the prime minister and emperor, are not part of the normal Japan Defence Agency (JDA) budget. Instead they will be funded directly by the prime minister's office as part of a supplemental budget that is expected to be approved within the next two months. The army's aviation unit is believed to be upset with the senior government-level decision to select Eurocopter, but had no say in the procurement decision.

South Korea has meanwhile delayed a selection of a new presidential helicopter until after the US decides on its VXX programme.

The Sikorsky S-92 and variants of the AgustaWestland EH101 are vying for both acquisitions, with the USA due to make a selection on 28 January.

BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE

Source: Flight International