Eurocopter delivered tenth EC135 to JMSDF

                           
Eurocopter Japan has handed over the 10th EC135 Training Helicopter (TH135, a variant of Eurocopter’s EC135 T2) to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (MSDF). The first TH135 was delivered in December 2009, to begin the replacement of their single-engine training helicopter fleet.

The TH135 is the customized version for MSDF, based on Eurocopter’s light twin-engine helicopter EC135 T2. The EC135 fleet joins the Japan Ministry of Defense as its second Eurocopter helicopter type; the other being the EC225 model, which is being operated for VIP transport by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

“The MSDF contract represents a milestone for Eurocopter in its efforts to gain a foothold in the Japanese defense market,” stated Stephane Ginoux, president & CEO of Eurocopter Japan. “It is a great achievement for us to have delivered the 10 TH135 helicopters on time.  Our selection and the subsequent recognition by MSDF clearly show the confidence that they have in our products and support services, which serves as a great motivation for us to strive even harder to meet our customers’ needs.”

Photograph:(© Copyright Eurocopter Japan / Chikako Hirano)