Major General Lars Fynbo, of the Royal Danish Air Force, signed a formal contract last week with Giacomo Saponaro, managing director of AgustaWestland company EH Industries Ltd, for the purchase of 14 multi-role EH101 helicopters.

As previously reported, a preliminary order was placed in September this year. The ceremony concluded final contract negotiations, which covered specifications for the aircraft's configuration and support package.

Danish industry is also benefiting from the deal. In October last year, EH Industries signed agreements with TERMA A/S and Danish Aerotech A/S to collaborate and further develop their business relationships.

AgustaWestland has already placed a number of contracts with Danish industry for the supply of EH101 components, including avionic floors and roof structure manufacture.

Yeovil-based Westland helicopters managing director Alan Johnston commented: "This award has been achieved with the strong and invaluable support from the UK's Defence Export Services Organisation, which, together with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, rendered every assistance during the demanding technical evaluation trials.

"I can confirm that assembly and completion of the Danish aircraft will take place at Westland's Yeovil facility and I would like to express my personal thanks to all who have contributed to this significant contract success."

The Portuguese government has placed an order for 12 EH101 helicopters from AgustaWestland for search and rescue, combat and fishery protection roles.

As part of the contract, AgustaWestland has built a series of partnerships with Portuguese industry, in both aerospace and non-aerospace fields, to satisfy Portuguese government industrial compensation and collaboration requirements.

Amedeo Caporaletti, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland, commented: "The Portuguese order confirms the validity of our company strategy".

Richard Case, AgustaWestland managing director, added: "The decision by Portugal to select EH101, following that of Denmark, confirms that this helicopter is now the benchmark against which all other helicopters are judged, not only in Europe but increasingly worldwide, too".