The Greek navy has received an allocation of €250 million ($317 million) in the national defence budget for 2006-10 to acquire five anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft.
Alenia Aeronautica, EADS Casa and Embraer used the show to promote maritime variants of their respective ATR 72, C-295 and EMB-145 designs ahead of a formal competition launch, which industry sources suggest could take place next year. The new aircraft are expected to operate in addition to the Greek air force’s six Lockheed Martin P-3B Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA).
Alenia is offering to supply a version of the ATR 72 ASW system selected to equip the Turkish navy under a 10-aircraft deal concluded last year. The company hopes to build on its previous success in selling 12 C-27J Spartan tactical transports to the Greek air force.
EADS Casa is promoting a FITS mission system-equipped C-295 transport to meet the navy requirement, while Embraer provided information last June on a development of its EMB-145 regional jet-based P-99 MPA supplied to the Mexican navy.
While noting the Greek navy is yet to define its ASW requirements, Luiz Carlos Aguiar, Embraer’s vice-president for the defence and government market, says: “We believe the -145 will support the payload.” Embraer has already supplied Greece with four EMB-145 airborne early warning and control aircraft, plus an EMB-135 and Legacy 600 for VIP duties. Embraer is also offering EMB-145 solutions to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, Aguiar says.
Source: Flight International
