Eurocopter, the world's biggest helicopter maker, expects steady sales growth in China this year as public security forces seek the latest air-patrol gear.

Eurocopter has been selling roughly six to 10 helicopters annually in China in recent years, its senior vice president for the Asia Pacific region said.

This month, it signed an order for three helicopters - two lightweight EC135s and one medium-weight EC155 - from the Shanghai police bureau, which is reinforcing its security capabilities as it prepares for the 2010 World Expo.

Last year, AgustaWestland, a unit of Italian defense manufacturer Finmeccanica, obtained an order for four helicopters from the Beijing police bureau, which is bolstering its law enforcement operations ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Police forces in other major cities are also setting up air-patrol teams, according to government officials.

Eurocopter, which also competes with United Technologies' Sikorsky Aircraft, sold six helicopters in China last year, including four heavyweight EC225s, with a combined value of 200 million euros (HK$2.13 billion).

Turnover could top 150 million euros this year, depending on the type of models sold, said Ducrot, who joined Eurocopter in 2003.

"The helicopter market here is just starting to develop," he said. He said China has the potential to be the world's largest civilian helicopter market once air-traffic restrictions are eased.

Eurocopter also counts maritime rescue forces among its clients, as well as corporate users.

But the military has placed strict controls on low-altitude air space, curbing civilian use of helicopters.

Eurocopter has about 60 helicopters in service in China.