The U.S. Army has ordered additional UH-72A Lakota helicopters from the U.S. subsidiary of France-based Airbus Helicopters.

The 12 aircraft to be manufactured in the United States are to be delivered starting in mid-2017 and will be configured as training aircraft.

Airbus Helicopters Inc. has delivered nearly 350 twin-engine Lakotas to the U.S. military, and the new order is the exercise of an option of a previous contract.

"Time and again the UH-72A has proven to be the most cost-effective solution to meet a wide variety of needs for the U.S. military and our allies," said Allan McArtor, Airbus Group Inc.'s chairman and chief executive officer. "The Army's flawless execution of the Lakota program has proven that even in today's challenging defense acquisition environment, there are success stories for the taxpayer and warfighter alike."

The company noted that almost half the company personnel producing the aircraft at its plant in Mississippi are U.S. military veterans, many of whom have flown the aircraft themselves as members of the National Guard or Reserves.

The UH-72A Lakota has a speed of 167 mph and a range of 426 miles.

The Navy operates the aircraft as trainers at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, and the Army National Guard operates Lakotas to support Customs and Border Protection missions.

The contract option announced carries a value of $65.8 million and includes associated mission equipment packages.