The Thai cabinet has approved a Bt4 billion ($128 million) deal to obtain four Eurocopter EC725s.

An industry source close to the deal confirmed media reports on the sale that have been circulating over the last few days.

The helicopters will be capable of combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions, with all four to be delivered within 30 months.

Eurocopter describes the EC725 as an 11t helicopter with a range of 1,340km (723nm). France has operated the type in CSAR mode in Afghanistan.

Source: Flight International