Four Nordic nations have issued a joint request for a medium-lift helicopter. They feel that if they all buy the same aircraft, the larger order will get them a better deal, and they can share maintenance facilities and spare parts stocks later. Sweden wants 25 helicopters, Norway another 25, Denmark 12-15, and Finland 10-12. Under consideration are the EH101, Eurocopter Cougar-II, NH90, Sikorsky S-92, and Boeing CH-47. The deal is thought to be worth $961 million; suppliers will be expected to buy at least that many dollars worth of local products. --Stephen V Cole

SWEDEN is planning to buy 20-40 helicopters to replace the Army's AB206A and Hughes-300 helicopters and perhaps the police forces' Jet Rangers.--Stephen V Cole