Patria to Provide Modification Design (STC) for Norwegian Armed Forces Bell 412 Helicopters

Patria has been selected to provide the modification design - a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) - for Norwegian Armed Forces Bell 412 helicopters within the related upgrade programme. The contract for the upgrade was signed between Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) and Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services (KAMS). Within the agreement Patria acts as a subcontractor for KAMS.

Bell 412s have served Norway for 35 years. Work is now being done to ensure that the fleet can continue to support the Armed Forces Special Forces and the Army until new helicopters are operational.

“The Norwegian government has arranged for an increase in helicopter capacity in the long-term plan. By upgrading the Bell 412, we now ensure helicopter readiness until the new helicopters are in place, so that the Armed Forces will have better operational capacity during the transition period,” says Norway’s Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram.

"We are proud to be commissioned to upgrade the Norwegian Armed Forces' helicopters to help increase operational availability. The agreement shows how the industry can assist with expertise and capacity and be a good strategic partner for the Air Force, where needed," says Andre Jægtvik, CEO of KAMS.

The upgrades are planned to be performed in two phases, where the phase one which has now been agreed focuses on civil communication and navigation solutions. The modifications are being designed and certified by Patria in close collaboration with NDMA and KAMS.

“We are delighted about the opportunity to provide our expertise for the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Bell 412 upgrade programme. With the agreement, Patria will further strengthen the operational cooperation with KAMS as well as its expertise in the field of helicopter modifications,” says Mikko Kilpeläinen, Senior Vice President for Partnerships of Patria.