OCCAR-EA and Airbus Helicopters have solidified their commitment to the Tiger helicopter fleet with the signing of a €430 million amendment to the Global Support Contract (GSC). This agreement extends the contract by five years, ensuring continuous support for the advanced multi-role attack helicopters operated by France, Germany, and Spain.
Key Features of the Global Support Contract
The extended GSC encompasses several critical services designed to enhance the operational readiness and lifecycle management of the Tiger fleet:
- Spare Parts Supply and Repairs
Reliable and efficient provisioning of spare parts to ensure fleet availability. - Obsolescence Management
Focused efforts to streamline processes and mitigate the risks associated with outdated components. - Maintenance of Production and Repair Lines
Sustaining the infrastructure needed for effective maintenance and fleet operations.
Enhanced Contract Features
Building on lessons from the last five years, the updated GSC integrates improvements to make operations faster and more autonomous, particularly as the Tiger MkIII Mid-Life Upgrade program approaches.
For France, the agreement introduces tailored maintenance solutions, with Airbus Helicopters embedding teams directly at army sites. This arrangement guarantees service-by-the-hour stock availability, optimizing fleet readiness.
A Foundation for Long-Term Sustainment
OCCAR-EA emphasized the strategic importance of this milestone:
“This second amendment marks a significant milestone in supporting the Tiger fleet for the benefit of three nations.”
The agreement ensures that the Tiger fleet remains a critical component of European defense capabilities, providing robust and reliable attack helicopter operations for years to come.
With the GSC extension, the groundwork is set for continued excellence in the Tiger helicopter program, ensuring these versatile platforms remain at the forefront of military aviation.
