The Franco-German Eurocopter group today officially launched a regional maintenance centre in Malaysia as part of a bid to supply 11 helicopters worth some RM250 million to the Malaysian army.

Senior executive vice president Philippe Harache said at a ceremony witnessed by France's Deputy Foreign Minister Renaud Muselier that "Eurocopter Malaysia" would be dedicated to logistical and technical support for customers.

The ceremony, attended by Malaysian deputy defence minister Shafie Apdal, included the signing of a cooperation agreement with local group Zetro Aerospace, which would be involved in customisation of the aircraft if Eurocopter wins the army tender, Harache said.

The only other competitor for the contract to supply light observation helicopters is the Anglo-Italian venture AgustaWestland, a Eurocopter executive told AFP . He said a decision on the tender was expected soon.

Harache said that "within the scope of this tender we have offered a very important cooperation programme" representing more than RM380 million in terms of investment, technology transfer and business volume.

The programme includes customisation, manufacture of parts and the creation of a Eurocopter flight academy for the training of up to 40 pilots a year.