The Kazakhstan government has placed additional orders for 8 EC145 helicopters in terms of a framework agreement covering 45 of these multi-role rotorcrafts, which are to be assembled in-country by the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering joint venture.

These latest bookings, announced at the KADEX-2012 military exposition in Astana last Thursday, consist of 6 EC145s in a medical evacuation configuration for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, along with 2 to be operated by the Ministry of Defense for search and rescue missions. They follow Kazakhstan’s initial acquisition of 6 similarly-configured EC145s last year, which were assembled and delivered during 2011 to both of the government ministries.

With operations adjacent to Astana International Airport, the Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering joint venture is responsible for helicopter assembly and customization, along with maintenance, support and training services. Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering also pursues sales activities throughout the region.

The EC145 is a helicopter of choice in its medium-size twin-engine category. With more than 500 delivered to some 100 customers in 38 countries, this rotorcraft benefits from its flexibility and versatility in worldwide operations, particularly the extreme low-temperature conditions encountered in Kazakhstan.

EC145s are used in a wide range of missions, including on-shore and off-shore airlift for the oil and gas industries, emergency medical services, police and public services, business and VIP transportation, along with a growing deployment for the maintenance of wind turbine fields.