Bahrain completes deal for nine Blackhawk-M helicopters

Posted by Mc Parry on January 22nd, 2010 No Comments Printer-Friendly

MANAMA – Bahrain finalised an agreement for nine Blackhawk-M helicopters at the kingdom’s air show, commander of the Bahraini air force General Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah al-Khalifa said on Thursday.

“Today we have completed all the arrangements with (US manufacturer) Sikorsky and we will receive nine aircraft next May, we had previous negotiations with the company, and were supposed to receive the aircraft last November,” he said.

The sheikh added that “this model (of helicopter) is equipped with advanced systems for search and rescue operations and for carrying troops, and also has extra fuel tanks to allow it to fly farther.”

The sheikh did not disclose the value of the deal, saying only that “we have completed the transaction, for a competitive and appropriate price.”

This was the first agreement for the purchase of military aircraft announced at the Bahrain International Airshow, which opened on Thursday.

Around 40 companies are participating in the airshow, which was also attended by King Abdullah II of Jordan and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victor Zubkov. (AFP)