LA PAZ: Bolivia is considering buying Superpuma helicopters from EADS subsidiary Eurocopter to strengthen its counter-drug capabilities, the government and the French embassy said Monday.
"Bolivia is looking at replacing its ageing equipment, bringing in new aircraft in keeping with its need for a guarantee of quality and efficiency," ambassador Michel Pinard told AFP.
A report by the presidential chief of staff Juan Ramon Quintana confirmed that Bolivia is interested in buying six helicopters.
Quintana told state media "this type of helicopter, capable of transporting 30 to 40 people over difficult terrain, imparts an important tactical advantage."
He said Bolivia needs to replace its existing fleet of US-made Hueys with new models that can operate at high altitudes.
President Evo Morales raised the Superpuma, which is built by a European consortium, with French President Francois Hollande when they met last week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, government officials told local media.
After the meeting, Morales said his government wanted six helicopters.
The cost of the Superpumas was being examined but Pinard said France would be able to provide La Paz with credit.
Comments
Comments are closed.