The French Navy has received the first of two EC 225 maritime security (SECMAR) helicopters at the Lanvéoc Naval Air Base from the French Armament Procurement Agency.

Two helicopters were ordered in December 2009 from Eurocopter (EADS group) to replace the navy’s aging fleet of Super-Frelon helicopters.

Delivery of the second EC 225 is scheduled in June 2010.

The 11t maritime helicopter, which can accommodate a crew of up to 24, has a maximum flying speed of 325km/h.

EC 225 SECMAR is equipped with additional reservoirs, which will enable the helicopter to carry out rescue missions up to a distance of 250nm from the coast.