Ukraine signed a preliminary agreement to buy 55 new and second hand helicopters.

The helicopters are H125, H145 and H225 models and will be used by the police, border guard and emergency services. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry also plans to create a new service.

The deal was announced during a visit to Kiev by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

It is presumed that the majority of the H225 are EC225LP formerly used by CHC and retired as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring.

First deliveries expected for later this year.