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.
