Helsinki - Responding to a domestic aircraft deficit, the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF) has decided to withdraw its two AgustaWestland HKp-15B (AW109-E) helicopters currently deployed on the anti-pirate vessel HMS Carlskrona in the Gulf of Aden.

Once repatriated, the HKp-15Bs are to be stationed with the Nordic Battle Group (NBG), which will next go on standby on Jan. 1. At present, the HMS Carlskrona is serving as the flag vessel for the European Union's (EU) naval force off the coast of Somalia.

The SAF's decision has caused a rift between the military and Defense Minister Sten Tolgfors, who questioned the need to repatriate the two helicopters, despite a report from the SAF explaining the reasons are due to a lack of suitable helicopter aircraft in Sweden.

"It is the government's stated position that ongoing missions should always be prioritized where there is a need. The military itself should decide the size of that need, not politicians. For the second half of this mission, the military has rated the need for helicopters as being higher for the Nordic Battle Group," said Tolgfors.

The defense minister said the SAF's mission commanders all considered the HKp-15B unit to be a vital component of the HMS Carlskrona's anti-piracy operations.

"Under these circumstances, I think it reasonable for the military to reconsider it decision," Tolgfors said.

The SAF has defended its decision, stating that the NBG's need for an effective helicopter unit is critical as part of its readiness plans.

"We are following a directive of Parliament that we should have a battle group on standby. The helicopter element is a significant part of supporting this force. Ideally, it would be better to have capacity to fulfill all missions and requirements. We are using the resources that we have as best we can," said Lt. Gen. Anders Lindström, the SAF's director of operations.

The SAF has 18 NH-90 helicopters on order. Delays in delivery mean the first aircraft are not expected to be in service until 2011, while the full NH-90 fleet may not be fully operational until 2020.

Raytheon receives five-year, $250 million Navy contract for work on V-22 airplane

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) - Defense contractor Raytheon Co. said Tuesday it received a five-year, $250 million contract from the U.S. Navy to support the V-22 aircraft.

The Waltham, Mass., company will work on avionics systems software, situational awareness software and prototype hardware, and avionics acquisition support under the contract.

The V-22 is a propeller airplane with engines that tilt and allow it to take off and land vertically.