Purchase of new Blackhawks approved

The expenditure would be spread over three fiscal years – Bt570 million this year, Bt789 million next year and Bt1.48 billion in fiscal 2013, deputy government spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said.
The procurement was part of a plan to amass a fleet of 20 versatile Blackhawk choppers.
The original proposal was to buy three choppers of an older Blackhawk model, but since they are no longer being produced, the Defence Ministry has to buy the latest version at a higher price.
However, this newer model comes with more advanced technology and capabilities, he added.