Mexico is increasing its order for Eurocopter EC725 Cougar helicopters with additional six helicopters, following an initial order for six made in March 2009. Eurocopter will supply all 12 helicopters to Mexico’s SEDENA (Secretaría de La Defensa Nacional) beginning in the second quarter of 2011. The helicopters will be used for transport and civil security missions. EC725 is the latest member of Eurocopter’s Cougar family. This multi-purpose, 11 ton class helicopter is capable of transporting 29 passengers and mission endurance of 5.30 hours.
This contract represents a further consolidation of Eurocopter’s presence in Mexico, which is managed by its Eurocopter de Mexico S.A. de C.V. subsidiary. A majority of the country’s government departments have been operating Eurocopter helicopters since 1964, which are utilized in supporting the airlift and transportation needs of the Mexican President, the Navy Secretariat, the Ministry of Defense and other users. over 350 of the company’s helicopters currently in service in this region – representing a market share of more than 50 percent. Brazil has recently ordered 50 EC-725 helicopters for its armed forces. These helicopters will also be produced by Helibras, Eurocopters’ subsidiary in Brazil.
