The Finnish Border Guard is to expand its Eurocopter fleet with the acquisition of two additional AS332 L1 Super Puma helicopters fully equipped for maritime search and rescue missions in the country’s challenging conditions.

With deliveries scheduled for 2015, the rotorcraft will be configured as the AS332 L1e version, incorporating the integrated advanced cockpit and automatic flight control systems used on Eurocopter’s EC225 helicopter. They are to be based at Helsinki and outfitted for day/night operations – equipped with high-definition forward-looking infrared (FLIR) technology, a four-axis autopilot and full deicing.

Signing of the agreement was performed on 19 December in Helsinki by Brigadier General Mikko Kirjavainen, substitute Chief of the Finnish Border Guard, and Navy Captain Jukka Jaakkola, Chief of the Technical Department for the Finnish Border Guard headquarters; with Jacques Cardaillac, Eurocopter’s Head of Sales for Northern Europe and Benelux, as well as Eurocopter Sales Manager Didier Parasme.

The Finnish Border Guard already operates 3 AS332L1 rotorcraft, which are assigned to its Turku base on the southwest coast of Finland. The service has logged nearly 25 years experience with these Super Pumas – validating the service’s reputation for professionalism and effectiveness, while also confirming the helicopter’s capabilities in even the most extreme environment.

“This latest acquisition once again demonstrates the AS332’s qualities in highly demanding missions, and it underscores the Finnish Border Guard’s continued confidence in the Super Puma as a long-time operator,” explained Cardaillac

When it introduces the 2 new AS332 L1e helicopters in late 2015, the Finnish Border Guard will benefit from the commonality with its current AS332 L1 fleet, optimizing resources for logistics and maintenance management, as well as the training of pilots and technicians.