ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has signed a contract for an undisclosed number of AgustaWestland AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters with Italian multinational aerospace company Leonardo-Finmeccanica.

The contract was signed here in presence of the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo, said a statement published on the company's website.

The AW139 choppers, which cost over $10 million each, will be used for search and rescue operations in the country.

The agreement is part of a fleet renewal programme spread over several stages, and includes a logistics support and training package.

The new fleet of helicopters, which is set to be delivered in 2017, is expected to be used for tasks such as civil protection, transport and search and rescue operations.

The latest contract marks a significant achievement for Leonardo-Finmeccanica in Pakistan, further expanding its already successful presence in the country. A total of 11 AW139s are already in service in Pakistan, with five aircraft operated for civil protection and transport tasks.

Leonardo-Finmeccanica is the ninth-largest defence contractor in the world based on applicable 2014 revenues.