Bond.az - Airbus SE (EPA:AIR) is exploring the possibility of building a helicopter manufacturing plant in Canada for global exports if it secures upcoming government contracts.
Olivier Michalon, executive vice president of global business for Airbus Helicopters, said Canada's increasing defense spending and closer ties with Europe present an opportunity.
“Clearly, if Airbus helicopters are selected for any of the big upcoming campaigns and there is an industrial project tied to this contract, it’s an opportunity to export what would be manufactured here to the worldwide market,” Michalon said in an interview in Ottawa. “We’re selling helicopters to 170 countries and not everything has to come from our main plants in France or Germany.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has launched a defense industrial strategy to spend more of its growing military budget domestically and reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers. Foreign firms are required to make stronger job and investment commitments when purchasing military equipment.
Airbus is pursuing three major helicopter projects in Canada: for the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Michalon said Airbus has been in discussions with government officials about helicopter requirements and how to generate domestic value and potential exports.
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