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Airbus SE is exploring the possibility of manufacturing helicopters in Canada for global export if the company secures upcoming government contracts, according to reporting from Bloomberg, citing an executive at the aerospace manufacturer. The European firm currently employs more than 5,000 people in Canada.

Olivier Michalon, executive vice president of global business for Airbus Helicopters, said the company sees an opportunity as Canada increases defense spending and seeks to expand manufacturing jobs. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is pursuing closer ties with Europe.

"Clearly, if Airbus helicopters are selected for any of the big upcoming campaigns and there is an industrial project which is tied to this contract, it’s an opportunity to export what would be manufactured here to the worldwide market," Michalon said in an interview in Ottawa. "We’re selling helicopters to 170 countries around the world and not everything has to come necessarily from our main plants in France or in Germany."

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