SWISS APPROVAL
The Swiss parliament has approved the planned purchase of six Pilatus PC-21 trainers included in the nation's 2006 defence budget. Pilatus expects to sign in the near future a SFr115 million ($92.8 million) contract for the aircraft, 19 of which are already on order for the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
IRAQI EXPANSION
Jordan Aerospace Industries has delivered another two Sama CH2000 surveillance aircraft to the Iraqi air force, marking the halfway point of a $12 million, 16-platform deal. Equipped with FLIR Systems Ultra 8500FW sensors and flown from Basra and Kirkuk air bases, the air force's first six CH2000s have now amassed more than 1,300 flight hours.
MEXICAN ARRIVALS
The Mexican navy has accepted its last two of four Schweizer 300C training helicopters. The aircraft, along with the initial two delivered last October, will be used for both initial and advanced pilot training, including instrument flight rules procedures.
TURKISH LIFT
Manufacturers have until 15 January to respond to a request for information related to a soon-to-be revived Turkish contest for 10 heavylift helicopters. Ankara's Undersecretariat for Defence Industries is expected to receive approaches from companies including Boeing and Mil, respectively offering the CH-47 Chinook and Mi-26.
LITENING STORM
A potential $20 million contest to select a new targeting pod for the UK Royal Air Force/Royal Navy BAE Systems Harrier GR7/9 has attracted two bids based on Rafael's Litening design. Ultra Electronics is offering the Litening III - already selected to equip the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoons and Panavia Tornado GR4s - in competition with a Litening AT proposal tabled by Northrop Grumman. The requirement is also being contested by Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Selex and Thales.
Source: Flight International
