Saudi Arabia: the helicopter deal, with Russia or with France?note

Saudi Arabia is still in talks with Russia and France for a helicopter deal. With France, the talks are over 142 helicopters from Eurocopter, including different types: NH-90, Tiger, Super Puma, Fennec and Cougar AS-532. With Russia, the talks focus on 150 Russian helicopters also of different types, including Mi-8, Mi-17 and Mi-35. The following 387-word article published in Tactical Report Weekly Brief’s issue of July 18, 2008 focuses on how the Saudis proceed with each deal and whether the one affects the other. It also tells what the Saudis think of the helicopters, either those of Eurocopter or those of the Russians. It also tells why the French may win the deal, and why the Russians have the advantages to win the deal too.