The order, to be signed in January, concerns 12 Mi-24 attack helicopters and six Mi-17 transport helicopters.

Elbit Systems won the order for 57 million euros (74 million dollars) over the other main bidder British company BAE Systems, which had asked for 128 million euros.

In the beginning of 2005, Bulgaria is also to receive 12 Cougar transport helicopters from European group EADS's subsidiary Eurocopter as part of the modernization of its armed forces.

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