CARACAS, Venezuela - The Venezuelan Air Force has received three AS532AC/UL Cougar helicopters following an inspection by Airbus Helicopters at its plant in Marseille, France.
The Air Force's AS 532 Cougars are being reconditioned by Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) in France. The modernization process began in 2011 and will run through 2015 thanks to an agreement between the Venezuelan government and Eurocopter. The program guarantees the aircraft's life for 12 years in order to meet special operations requirements, and search and rescue and firefighting duties. A total of ten AS532 helicopters will be inspected; nine of which will be shipped to France and one will remain in Venezuela for the inspection and will be conducted by Venezuelan technicians under the supervision of Eurocopter.
Three Cougars were returned to service by August 2013.