Algeria: Helicopter Manufacturing in Setif – Signing of MOU Between Defence Ministry, Italian Leonardo-Finmeccania

Algiers — An industrial and trade partnership memorandum of understanding on the manufacturing of AugustaWesland helicopters in Ain Arnat (Setif) was signed Thursday, in Algiers, by the ministry of National Defence and the Italian group Leonardo-Finmeccanica (SPA-Italy) said the ministry in a communiqué.

The memorandum “is part of the implementation of the programme of economic relaunch, initiated by his Excellency the president of the Republic, Supreme chief of the armed forces, minister of National Defence, aimed at re-boosting the national industry and the interest granted by the High command of the People’s National Army to the development of military manufacturing to contribute to national development and strengthen its potentials,” said the source.

The parties to this agreement “agreed this year to create a joint Algerian-Italian company destined to the manufacturing of light and medium helicopters in the industrial site of Ain Arnat.”

“From the first years and following the construction of plants, the main objective of this company is to manufacture three types of light and medium helicopters for various use including the transport of personnel and cargo, medical evacuation, surveillance and control,” added the communiqué.

“From its launch, this company will benefit from a local and international distribution network and an after-sales service that includes all levels of reparations,” said the source.