Airbus Helicopters and the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation and have extended their partnership to support the Tiger helicopter fleets of France, Germany and Spain for another five years.
The second amendment to the Global Support Contract, worth approximately $451.3 million, ensures the continued supply of spare parts, repairs and obsolescence management services. The agreement also aims to streamline processes and prepare for the upcoming Tiger MkIII Mid-Life Upgrade.
Additionally, for France, the contract includes dedicated maintenance and technical support from Airbus teams stationed on French army sites. These services, managed on a service-by-the-hour basis, ensure spare part availability through stocks maintained by Airbus.
The latest development follows an amendment announced earlier this year that includes procurement activities for the STRIX Sight System used in the French and Spanish HAD Helicopter fleets and Level 3 maintenance and support for the OSIRIS Sight System in the German UHT Helicopter fleet.
Long-Term Support
In 2019, Airbus Helicopters and OCCAR initially signed the trilateral Global Support Contract to enhance the availability and survivability of Tiger helicopters in the French, German and Spanish armies. The long-term agreement secures the multirole attack helicopter’s readiness for the next decade and beyond, addressing critical obsolescence issues and securing repair and spare parts capabilities.
According to Airbus, the contract is tailored to the specific needs of each customer, with France, for example, benefiting from a guaranteed parts availability of 98 percent and simplified logistics through Airbus’ direct supply of new and repaired parts.
In 2022, Airbus secured another contract with OCCAR for the Tiger MkIII upgrade program. It involves upgrading 42 French and 18 Spanish helicopters, with the potential for Germany to join later. The Tiger MkIII will feature advanced avionics, enhanced connectivity, improved detection and targeting systems and a broader range of weapons.
Airbus said the first prototype is expected to fly in 2025, with deliveries starting in late 2029 for France and 2030 for Spain.