MD Helicopters Inc. has been awarded a five-year contract for MD 530s that could be worth nearly $1.4 billion, the manufacturer said. The U.S. Army contract is for the U.S. and Partner Nation Army Aviation Forces, in support of foreign military sales.

The contract’s first deliveries have MD handing over 30 new MD 530F Cayuse Warriors for the Afghan Air Force. This has a value of $176.6 million, according to the manufacturer. The aircraft would feature the company’s newly certificated glass cockpit, as well as a ballistic crashworthy fuel system and other weapons systems. These deliveries are expected to be completed by September 2019.

“The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior has been a proven performer in support of ground operations and in the execution of close air support interactions since it first arrived in Kabul,” said Lynn Tilton, MD CEO. “It is extremely gratifying to see that our focus on quality, technology and rapid delivery has resulted in such a significant contract; one that solidifies [MD’s] position as a preferred provider of armed scout attack helicopter solutions.”

As a whole, the firm-fixed price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract covers an estimated 150 MD 530s, as well as required production support services. This includes program management, delivery support, pilot training and maintenance. The potential value of the entire contract is $1,385,497,987.