France has amended its FY00 defense budget to provide $1.1 billion for the purchase of NH90 helicopters. France is the first country to actually budget money for NH90 production. Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands will follow suit. The four are expected to announce this summer that they will order 244 aircraft, more than the original plan of 196. Orders will include 27 for France, 117 for Italy, 80 for Germany, and 27 for the Netherlands.--Stephen V Cole