Deepwater debut
EADS Casa has delivered the first HC-235A maritime patrol aircraft to Lockheed Martin in support of the US Coast Guard's (USCG) Deepwater programme. The CN-235-300-based aircraft - the first of up to 36 of the type being acquired by the USCG - is due to enter service in 2008.
Bomblet platform
Israel Military Industries (IMI) is developing long-range platforms to dispense miniature, intelligent, multi-purpose bomblets for use against personnel and armoured vehicles. IMI scrapped its modular stand-off vehicle weapon system programme two years ago after failing to find a launch customer.
Romanian row
The Romanian ministry of defence's selection of the Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Spartan as the Romanian air force's future tactical transport aircraft has come under fire following local media reports that EADS Casa's competing offer of seven C-295s had been priced lower. Ioan Ion, MoD weapons department state secretary, says the EADS bid was disqualified because it "did not fully meet requirements".
Georgia talks
Russia and Bulgaria held talks last month to resolve a dispute over the sale by the latter of low-priced weapons to Georgia, including surplus Sukhoi Su-25s. Only about five of 40 Su-25s acquired by Bulgaria between 1986 and 1988 remain operational with its air force.
Source: Flight International
