Bulgaria has ordered 18 new military helicopters from a French manufacturer as part of a 360 million euro (423-million-US-dollar) deal which will help create 1,000 jobs in the eastern European country.

Local newspaper TRUD reported Wednesday that the agreement was for six Panther AS 323s and 12 Cougar AS 352s.

Bulgarian economy and energy minister Rumen Ovcharov said Tuesday the Bulgarian government would pay 360 million euros (423 US dollars) for the helicopters, while Eurocopter would set up two plants in Bulgaria to manufacture aluminium products and chemical goods.

The two planned plants will create 1,000 jobs in Bulgaria and could boost the country's exports.

Ovcharov was cited by TRUD as saying that the program is a key element in the modernization of the Bulgarian Army.

Three helicopters are set to be delivered in 2006, while the remainder are expected in 2012.

Source: Xinhua