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August 13, 1999

Japan sent six F-15J fighters to Guam for the recent US air combat wargames, the first time since World War II that Japanese combat aircraft had been deployed outside of the country.

After years of stalling, France and Germany formally ordered the Tiger Combat Helicopter on the last day of the Paris Air Show. (This gives Eurocopter a chance of seeking export sales, as no one would buy a helicopter that the producing nations had turned down.) Germany will by 80 multi-role helos starting in 2002; France will buy 70 multi-role and 10 anti-tank helicopters starting in 2003. At a production rate of 20 aircraft per year, deliveries will not be complete until 2011. Eurocopter is seeking export orders in Spain, Australia, and Turkey, but faces tough competition. --Stephen V Cole