Brunei selects Eurocopter EC725 Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk for support helicopter programme 2307114.

."The support helicopter project seeks vendors to propose a solution for the Royal Brunei Air Force based on their helicopter products to meet certain capabilities and mission profiles as required," the defence ministry said.

"As such, the number of aircraft to be procured is undetermined at this stage, as it will be dependent on which helicopter vendor is awarded the contract."

A deal is expected to be signed by the end of 2011, with first deliveries in early 2014. The defence ministry said the helicopter selected will replace the air force's Bell 212s and MBB BO105s.

"With new helicopters, the Royal Brunei Air Force will be able to increase the transport capacity of the military to deploy troops both domestically and regionally," the ministry said.