Government signs search and rescue helicopter contract
Historical archive
Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Justice and Public Security
Press release | No: 123 – 2013 | Date: 19/12/2013
The Norwegian government has today signed the contract with AgustaWestland for the delivery of 16 new all-weather search and rescue (SAR) helicopters. Acquiring new rescue helicopters will be of major significance for the next 30 to 40 years and will substantially improve the Norwegian search and rescue service.
The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Mr. Anders Anundsen, and CEO of AgustaWestland, Mr. Daniele Romiti, signs the contract. (Photo: Terje Rakke)
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The Norwegian government has today signed the contract with AgustaWestland for the delivery of 16 new all-weather search and rescue (SAR) helicopters. Acquiring new rescue helicopters will be of major significance for the next 30 to 40 years and will substantially improve the Norwegian search and rescue service.
“The new helicopter has much greater range, better all-weather capability and greater speed than the Sea King helicopter. It will provide more safety for people at sea, along the coast and in remote areas across the country,” says Minister of Justice and Public Security, Mr. Anders Anundsen.
AgustaWestland Ltd. will deliver the new SAR helicopters with related equipment and maintenance solutions to replace the current Sea King. The contract includes 16 new SAR helicopters with an option for further six, and ensures that the Sea King will be phased out across the country by the end of 2020. The total investment cost of the contract is 6, 25 billion kroner (NOK).
The acquisition process started on October 21 2011 with the announcement of prequalification. Tender documents were released on July 12 2012 and the offers were received from four bidders on December 18 the same year.
Introduction of the new SAR helicopters will start in 2017.