19 April 2010

Cabinet Expected To Decide On Eurocopter Purchase On Friday - Zahid

19 April 2010

EC-725 Cougar helicopter (photo : Militaryphotos)

KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) -- The Cabinet is expected to make a final decision on Friday on the purchase of Eurocopter EC725 helicopters to replace the ageing Nuri, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

He said at the moment, the government had no problem in terms of the financial package offered by Eurocopter as well as in its ability to pay the purchase.

"We have finalised our negotiation and are waiting for the Cabinet to approve the schedule of payments. The details are being worked out and the terms and conditions will be finalised probably at the coming meeting on Friday.

"The agreement will be finalised once the Cabinet gave its approval," he told reporters after attending the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2010 exhibition at Putra World Trade Centre, here.

On the navy's proposal to buy a multi-support ship to replace the KD Sri Inderapura, which was decommissioned following a fire in October, Ahmad Zahid said the ministry had sent out restricted tender by invitation to ship builders around the world.

He said the ministry set a high standard for the ship in terms of technology and craftsmanship.

"It is not based on product or offer from any specific country; the most important is the specification, it should be tailor-made to our need," he said.

The DSA is Asia's largest security exhibition and among the five most prestigious defence exhibitions in the world.

The 2010 edition here attracted participants from 22 countries including Australia, Turkey, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, France, South Africa, Poland, Switzerland, South Korea, China and Singapore.

The four-day exhibition starts Monday.

(Bernama)

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