Brazil's defence ministry has signed contracts worth $722 million with EADS Casa for the production of 12 C-295 transports and the modernisation of eight ex-US Navy Lockheed Martin P-3B maritime patrols. Worth $423 million, the C-295s will replace the Brazilian air force's de Havilland DHC-5 Buffalos between November 2006 and January 2009. The P-3BR upgrade will cost $299 million for the airframe and engine overhaul and systems modernisation of eight P-3Bs, including the integration of EADS Casa's FITS maritime surveillance package. Deliveries will be from August 2008 to mid-2010. The deals include an offset package worth $859 million.
Source: Flight International
