French Special Forces Helicopters

French Armed Forces units deployed in Afghanistan have operated the Eurocopter EC-725 helicopter since 2006. The EC-725 fleet currently consists of 14 aircraft, but the MoD recently ordered another five units, with those deliveries scheduled to run from late 2010 to early 2012. The twin-engine, five-bladed aircraft has an endurance of 5.5 hours, which can be extended through in-flight refueling. Fitted with a pair of 7.62mm MAG58 machine guns, the 11-tonne chopper can fulfill combat SAR (CSAR), long distance transport, logistics support and special operations missions.