On April 27, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz said
his ministry signed a contract for 30 helicopters. Nayef said some of the
helicopters have already been delivered and would be deployed in border
security operations.
    "We are on our way to use the best technologies along the border," Nayef
said.
    Nayef disclosed the helicopter order after a ceremony for officers in
Riyad. More than 3,100 cadets completed security training.
    In 2007, Riyad was said to have signed an agreement to purchase scores
of helicopters from France. Industry sources said the platforms included the
NH-90, Cougar, Fennec, Panther and Tiger helicopters.