The U.S. Coast Guard is reportedly about to reopen for competition the acquisition of shipboard-based helicopters for maritime contraband interception operations, a task it has been conducting with Agusta A109s.
A USCG request for proposals (RFP) is expected late this month or early next month for eight to 12 armed twin-engine helicopters for the recently deployed high-seas drug-interdiction squadron, Hitron 10. The service has been operating the A109s from the decks of its cutters under a 33-month lease contract that will expire next January. The Coast Guard is believed to be considering a number of different helicopter types, including A109s and MD Explorers, and is expected to decide before issuing the RFP whether it will be leasing or procuring the helicopters. If the latter happens, it will be the first armed aircraft purchase by the Coast Guard since 1927, an industry source said.