Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
THE UNITED ARAB Emirates (UAE) has modified the mission requirement for its planned fleet of maritime-patrol aircraft to include an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.
Competing manufacturers were briefed to supply four aircraft configured primarily for anti-surface-vessel (ASV) strike, armed with McDonnell Douglas AGM-84 Harpoon or Aerospatiale MM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.
The UAE air force has since asked for tenders to be revised to include an ASW acoustic processor. The move is believed to be in response to Iran's acquisition of three Russian Kilo-class submarines for the Arabian Gulf.
The Indonesian-built IPTN CN-235MPA and Fokker 50 Maritime Enforcer Mk.11 are understood to be favoured for the contract. Other bidders include CASA with its Persuader version of the CN-235 and Lockheed with the P-3C Orion.
IPTN's CN-235 proposal is based on the Boeing ArgoSystem tactical integrator. The aircraft would be equipped with the Texas Instruments APS-134 search radar, Litton radar warning receiver and GEC forward-looking infra-red sensor and acoustic processor.
Company chairman and director Dr Bacharuddin Habibie, who is also the country's technology minister, has visited the UAE to push the CN-235. The UAE air force already operates seven IPTN-built CN-235 transport aircraft.
A final decision is expected to be announced at the UAE's International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 95) in Abu Dhabi in March. The maritime-patrol-aircraft contract is estimated to be worth around $200 million.
The UAE is also due to make a decision on its long-standing requirement for six to 12 shipborne ASV helicopters. The choice is between the Westland Super Lynx, armed with British Aerospace Skua Missiles, and the Eurocopter Panther.
Source: Flight International
