Ukraine, Airbus ink biggest-ever deal in their history
Ukraine has signed a deal with France's Airbus to purchase 55 of its civil helicopters for $650mn in the biggest-ever deal reached between the two sides.
The contract for the 24 H125, 10 H145 and 21 H225 helicopters was signed Saturday in Ukraine’s capital city Kiev by representatives of Ukraine's Interior Ministry and Airbus. It came following the Intergovernmental Agreement signed between France and Ukraine on 8 June
"This contract makes it possible to use 55 helicopters to ensure the safety of our citizens…This is an unprecedented volume and it opens up new opportunities for cooperation," Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said.
Ukraine says the helicopters will be used for various civil security purposes, including border monitoring, policing and emergency situations.
"For us, this is highly symbolic. I want to thank you for this your choice," French Ambassador to Ukraine Isabelle Dumont said as the contract was signed on Bastille Day.
The deal includes not only the helicopters but also technical support and training for pilots. Of the $650 million, 85 percent will be covered by a loan from the French treasury and French banks.
A delivery of first four H225 Super Puma helicopters is expected to be carried out by the end of 2018.
France, along with Germany, has launched international efforts to find a resolution to Ukraine’s nearly four-year-old conflict with Russia-backed separatists in which over 10,000 people have been killed.
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