Eurocopter Gets Order For 5 Military Helicopters

Albania signed a $113.2 million deal Friday to buy five AS 532 AL Cougar military transport helicopters from Eurocopter, a branch of Airbus parent company EADS.

TIRANA, Albania (AP) -- Albania signed a euro78.6 million ($113.2 million) deal Friday to buy five military helicopters from France-based Eurocopter.

The Defense Ministry said the AS 532 AL Cougar transport helicopters will be delivered over the next three to four years by Eurocopter, a branch of Airbus parent company EADS.

Former Communist Albania, which joined NATO in April, is engaged in a major military overhaul to come in line with alliance standards, replacing its antiquated Russian and Chinese-made tanks, aircraft and naval ships.

It plans to convert its conscript army into a fully professional force next year.

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