MARIGNANE, France, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- The Lithuanian air force has ordered three AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopters for use in search-and-rescue and other operations, Eurocopter announced.
The contract for the French aircraft was signed late last week at the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defense in Vilnius and involves "certain financing support" from the European Union.
"The new helicopters will help to fulfill search-and-rescue missions and perform environmental monitoring and control, which are of high importance for Lithuania," said Marijus Velicka, Lithuania's vice minister for national defense. "By signing this contract today we assure that the Lithuanian armed forces will be able to help saving people's lives and promptly respond to various crises in the future. "
The Dauphin helicopter can carry 11 passengers plus crew, has a maximum speed of 195 mph and a ceiling of more than 19,000 feet. The aircraft is used by the militaries and law enforcement agencies of 17 countries.
Eurocopter, which has its headquarters in Marignane, France, said the three aircraft ordered will be delivered to Lithuania in 2015.
