American aerospace manufacturer MD Helicopters has received a firm fixed-price order for the delivery of 12 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters for the Afghan Air Force (AAF).

This is the fourth delivery order issued to MD Helicopters against its five-year, $1.4bn light scout attack helicopter indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract.

The Afghan Air Force is currently the largest MD 530F Cayuse Warrior operator globally.

Awarded through US Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, on behalf of the Multi-national Aviation Special Project Office (MASPO), the contract comes after the successful delivery of aircraft ordered through Delivery Order 1.

The contract vehicle is intended to ensure the availability of up to 150 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior and/or MD 530G attack helicopters to the US and partner nation military forces.

So far, 54 of 150 helicopters are under contract with multiple operators.

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The company said that all Air Force MD 530F Cayuse Warrior light scout attack helicopters supplied to Afghanistan are powered by the Rolls-Royce 250-C30 650shp turbine engine.

The helicopters feature an advanced, all-glass cockpit, DillonAero Fixed-Forward Sighting System, ballistically tolerant crashworthy main and auxiliary fuel system, DillonAero Mission Configurable Armament System (MCAS), FN Herstal HMP 400 .50 calibre Machine Gun Pods, ballistic armour protection, and M260 7-shot rocket pods.

MD Helicopters chief executive officer Lynn Tilton said: “The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior has played a critical role in creating an effective and sustainable airforce in Afghanistan.

“We are honored to be the light scout attack helicopter of choice for the Afghan Air Force and a growing number of partner nation aviation forces.

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is a preferred and proven platform for light scout attack combat operations.

“The ongoing receipt of orders for this best-in-class aircraft is more than gratifying; it is validation that this iconic, American-made helicopter will remain an essential resource for military and para-military operators in the global fight for freedom.”