The Netherlands and UK governments have concluded a deal under which Royal Air Force BAE Systems Nimrod MR2 maritime patrol aircraft will provide reconnaissance and coastguard duties in the Dutch Antilles.
The agreement, which will cost the Netherlands €5-7.5 million ($7.3-10 million), will cover a three-month period following the removal of Royal Netherlands Air Force Lockheed Martin P-3 Orions from Hato airbase late this month.
Dutch maritime patrol, search and rescue and counter drugs services will resume following the modification of two Fokker F60 transports during the first quarter of 2005. These will replace its P-3 fleet, which is being removed from service and sold to Germany and Portugal.
Source: Flight International
