The first major arms deal concluded by Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen is more expensive than expected, as the acquisition of 168 combat and transport helicopters will cost a total of 8.7 billion euros.
That's about 430 million euros more than the Ministry of Defense’s previous plan, concluded in 2013 by Leyen’s predecessor Thomas de Maizière. The extra cost is due to the cost of spare parts and equipment for the MH90 "Sea Lion" naval helicopter, which was not included in the previous plan.
The deal now agreed with Airbus calls for the following changes to the original contract:
-- 68 instead of 80 Tiger combat helicopters for €3.55 billion instead of €3.77 billion. Only 40 Tiger will actually be used by the Bundeswehr, the others (older models already delivered) are to be used as spare parts.
תוצאת תמונה עבור tiger helicopter
-- 82 instead of 122 NH90 transport helicopters for €3.77 billion instead of €4.69 billion.
-- The Navy will also receive 18 MH90 (new designation) Sea Lions with special equipment for €1.38 billion.
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Germany; Government approves €7.8 billion helicopter program
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