Peru Goes Dutch For SAR Helicopters

Peru will buy three used AB-412 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters from the Netherlands, Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert informed parliament Jan. 19.

The contract, which is expected to be signed at the end of January, includes spare parts, testing equipment and special tools.

The helicopters entered service with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1994 and were taken out of operation Jan. 1. The Netherlands decided in 2004 to phase out the AB-412 with the introduction of the NH90.

Dutch Ministry of Defense photo