The Albanian Defence Ministry and Eurocopter Deutschland have signed a contract for the delivery of 12 modernised BO105 helicopters. The 10 million Euro contract will be spread over a period of three years and has been assisted with aid from the German Government.

The helicopters are a gift from Germany to the Albanian Government. They will be modernised in the Donauworth plant and converted into the BO105 E-4 version, whose performance is close to those of the civil CB-4 version.

Eurocopter Deutschland is tasked with integrating the optional equipment for the missions, including emergency medical services, search and rescue and vip transport. Eurocopter Deutschland is also responsible training the pilots of the aircraft.

The acquisition of the 12 BO105 E-4 helicopters is part of Albania's

ongoing drive to modernise its armed forces and satisfy the conditions for NATO membership.

The helicopters will also be operated by the Interior Ministry and the Health Ministry to assist in humanitarian operations and to ferry aid to populations based in mountainous areas.

The first deliveries will be made in the last three months of 2006. The conversion of other BO105M VBH helicopters from the German Armed Forces is also under consideration with a view to future sales.