Norway chooses AgustaWestland AW 101 for SAR missions To Replace Its Sea Kings fleet.

The Norwegian government has begun final negotiations with AgustaWestland after the company’s AW101 was selected to become the country’s next-generation search-and-rescue helicopter. The helicopter is to replace the aging fleet of Sea Kings; 16 AW101 are to be pruchased.

The four contenders Eurocopter, NHI, Sikorsky and AgustaWestland were informed that AW was entering final selection. The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, which is running the program, says it aims to complete negotiations by year’s end.

The AW101 was favored to win the contract because of the support of Norwegian unions, which said AgustaWestland’s offer provided more value and jobs in Norway than Eurocopter’s deal. Plus, local defense firm Kongsberg is working on some elements of the AW101.

The Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, which is running the program, says it aims to complete negotiations by year’s end. The contract will include 16 helicopters, with an option for six more.

Introduction of the new SAR helicopters will start in 2017. In 2020, the new helicopters will have replaced the Sea King throughout the country.

See the list of all military aircraft with their technical descriptions HERE.