selection South Africa is set to sign a $1.1 billion deal to buy between eight and 14 Airbus A400M military transport aircraft between 2010 and 2014, in exchange for investment, technological knowledge and jobs. In return for buying the aircraft, the South African department of transport says the country will participate in the A400M design and manufacturing programme. "The A400M programme provides South Africa with the opportunity to meet its growing international obligations, particularly in regard to peacekeeping and support, disaster relief and management," it says, adding that the South African National Defence Force's military transport and airlift capability comprises nine Lockheed Martin C-130s that "are reaching the end of their working life, and will need to be replaced by about 2010".
Source: Flight International
