BRENDAN SOBIE / LANGKAWI
Brunei, India, Sweden and Turkey all set to issue tenders for maritime patrol aircraft
Maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) manufacturers are anticipating a wave of orders over the next year as Brunei, India, Sweden and Turkey near final decisions.
A proposal to Turkey for 10 aircraft is due this month and India is expected to issue a tender for up to nine aircraft by early November, with Sweden due to follow in December with a tender for up to four aircraft. Brunei has long been considering purchasing up to four MPAs and invited manufacturers for a new round of presentations earlier this month.
Manufacturers believe a drive to step up anti-terrorism efforts, especially in Asia, is increasing demand for MPAs. Several countries also seek an MPA capability to fight illegal immigration, fishing, piracy, and smuggling.
Most of the new MPA requirements, however, are being created by countries with limited defence budgets that can only afford turboprops or possibly regional jets.
Brunei is expected to issue a contract for two aircraft plus two options within the next few months and is looking at the ATR 42, Bombardier Dash 8 Q200, EADS Casa C-212, CN-235 andC-295; Raytheon Beechcraft King Air 350 and 1900D and Saab 2000.
Turkey is looking for a slightly larger platform, with the ATR 72, Bombardier CL-415 and CN-235/C-295 in contention. It has already purchased 19 Thales AMASCOS mission suites, nine for existing CN-235s and 10 for the aircraft yet to be selected.
India recently received presentations on the ATR 42MP and Embraer EMB-145MP, but is also considering refurbished ex-US Navy Lockheed Martin P-3s. It is expected to acquire only two aircraft with seven options initially, but has an eventual requirement for 20 to 30 MPAs.
The Swedish requirement is for two aircraft with two options and is likely to choose between the ATR 42, C-235, and Saab 2000.
Source: Flight International
