NHIndustries NH90 : The new Reference for the Armed Force

PATRIA INAUGURATES NEW FACILITIES FOR NH90 FINAL ASSEMBLY

PR40.pdf

Patria inaugurates officially new facilities for NH90 final assembly today in Jämsä, Finland. The former facilities have now been added to with a new building of 2 800 m2 of additional area. Patria has already started the final assembly in the new facilities in September 2003 and will deliver 50 NH90 helicopters during 2005 – 2011. The first NH90 assembled in Finland will be delivered to the Finnish Defence Forces in 2005. The first helicopters in connection with the joint Nordic helicopter purchase will be assembled and delivered by Eurocopter and Agusta.

The Nordic countries ordered 52 NH90 helicopters with an option for 17, from NHIndustries, owned by Agusta, Eurocopter and Fokker. Patria signed contracts on helicopter and engine assembly with Eurocopter and Rolls-Royce Turbomeca in October 2001. The value of these contracts is more than EUR 40 million. Employment effect of the NH90 final assembly at Patria is approximately 750 man-years. Eurocopter S.A.S. has subcontracted the final assembly to Patria having also technical personnel working at Patria.

“One of the Patria’s strategic focus areas is helicopter life cycle support in the Baltic sea area.

With the final assembly of NH90 helicopters we are increasing our competencies even further in the life cycle support. We believe that Patria will be able to offer a competitive solution also for other NH90 customers in the future. Additionally this project is an excellent example of a wellfunctioning Nordic cooperation”, states Mr. Jorma Wiitakorpi, President and CEO of Patria Group.

Patria is an internationally operating Aerospace and Defence Group actively participating in the development of new technologies. Patria's core business areas are armoured wheeled vehicles and heavy weapon systems including their life cycle service, defence electronics, helicopter and military aircraft life cycle support as well as demanding composite structures. Patria is the leading supplier of armoured wheeled vehicles in Europe. The Finnish State and EADS are Patria's shareholders. The Group had net sales of EUR 232.5 million in 2002 and the number of employees was 2 004.

10/30/2003

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