Kazakhstan Government Seals Deal for 20 EC725s

The government of Kazakhstan has signed a deal to buy 20 Eurocopter EC725s medium helicopters it has been announced.


The aircraft will be used by the country's ministry of defence and will be assembled in-country alongside 45 EC145 light-twin helicopters being assembled under a 50/50 joint venture Eurocopter Kazakhstan Engineering.


The agreement for the EC725s was formalised at KADEX-2012 military exhibition held in Astana on 3-6 May.

'With an ongoing success story based on the EC145 assembled locally in Astana, Eurocopter is proud to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Engineering. Based on both a long term plan and mutual trust, our joint goal is to create a sustainable helicopter industry in Kazakhstan.' said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s SVP for sales and customer relations.


'We are confident that the unequalled versatility and operational performances of the EC725 make it the best choice to fulfil 21st century operational requirements.'


The Kazakhstan government already operates six EC145 helicopters, which were assembled and delivered during 2011 to the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the ministry of defence.

The KADEX event also saw Eurocopter announce that a further eight EC145s have been ordered by the government. The order encompasses six EC145s that will be supplied in a medical evacuation configuration for the Ministry of Emergency Situations; and two which will be operated by the ministry of defence for SAR missions.


The order for the EC725s is part of a major re-capitalisation of the Kazakh armed forces and its parapublic agencies. Although its not been confirmed, the EC725s could be used to replace or supplement the Kazakh Air and Air Defence Force’s large fleet of Mi-8 and Mi-17 medium helicopters.

As well as orders for helicopters, the air arm has signed a contract for two Airbus Military C295 fixed-wing transport aircraft and has signed an MoU for a further six. These are understood to be replacing elderly Antonov An-26s. They are also believed to be negotiating for up to four Airbus A400Ms.


The air arm's large fighter fleet includes Su-27s which have received a series of upgrades allowing them to carry Litening targeting pods.