Elbit settles
The Bulgarian government has reached a settlement with Elbit Systems over its cancellation of a €57 million ($75 million) upgrade to its air force Mil Mi-17 utility and Mi-24 assault helicopters. Elbit will return some of the advance payments it received, and will deliver to the Bulgarian defence ministry some of the equipment already produced. Elbit has, meanwhile, delivered the first of three upgraded Eurocopter SA330L helicopters to the Romanian navy. The aircraft are being equipped with new avionics, helmet-mounted sights, radar and sonar equipment and torpedo launchers under the IAR Brasov-led project.
Finnish arrival
The Finnish air force took delivery of the first of a potential seven EADS Casa C-295 tactical transports last week. Finland ordered an initial two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop-powered C-295s plus five options last May.
Source: Flight International