CHRISTINA MACKENZIE / PARIS
Spain has renewed an option to lease six Boeing AH-64A Apache attack helicopters from the US Army, leaving a potential purchase of new AH-64Ds open while it dithers over a decision on whether to buy 24 Eurocopter Tigers or Apaches or a combination of both.
The choice is a highly charged political issue, with Prime Minister Jos‚ Maria Aznar wanting to support Spanish industry (Eurocopter is a subsidiary of EADS, which is 5.8% owned by the Spanish state), while fixing foreign policy issues with France and Germany over Madrid's support for US intervention in Iraq. Aznar, however, also wishes to maintain his good US relations.
Spanish defence minister Federico Trillo-Figueroa was expected to announce Spain's decision in favour of the Tiger at June's Paris air show following a leak to Spanish daily El Pais. But Spanish sources say Aznar told Trillo not to attend the show.
Eurocopter is offering the HAP combat support export version of the Tiger, based on the Australian variant, but the Spanish defence ministry has requested improved hot and high performance. MTU/ Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce is developing an uprated MTR390 turboshaft to meet this requirement.
A decision not to renew the Apache lease option, which expired on 30 June, would have been a clear signal of a Tiger win. The fact Spain has renewed this option signals that it still has not chosen a winner.
Source: Flight International
