Kuwait finally signs $1bn deal for 30 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters

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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Kuwait
 
 
Kuwait finally signs $1bn deal for 30 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters
 
Kuwait finally signed today a $1bn deal for the purchase of 30 H225M Caracal helicopters manufactured by the France-based Airbus Helicopters, the French Defense Ministry announced in an official statement. "The Ministry of Defence of of Kuwait signed today, in presence of the French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 30 Caracal helicopters for the Kuwaiti army and the national guard of Kuwait," the defense ministry said.
     
Kuwait finally signs 1bn deal for 30 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters 640 001Airbus Helicopters finally received green light from Kuwait for the delivery of 30 H225M Caracal helicopters
(Credit: Airbus Helicopters)
     
"With this decision, Kuwait further strengthens the strategic partnership existing between our two countries since decades, while we are now engaged side by side in the fight against Daech in Iraq and Syria," The Minister of Defence, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said.

Kuwait signed on October 2015 letters of acceptance (LoAs) with France which include an order for 24 Caracals, with an option for another six.

The H225M, previously known as EC725, is a 11-ton-class helicopter that combines long-range performance with a very large cabin – accommodating up to 19 passengers in crashworthy seats.


The Caracal is powered by two Safran Helicopters Engines Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines and can be equipped with various military equipment and armaments, such as a pair of 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns mounted within forward left and right windows, or a pair of 68 mm side-mounted rocket launchers.