Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
The US State Department has approved a potential $1.77 billion FMS of Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and related equipment to Germany.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 12 March delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the deal.
‘The proposed sale will improve Germany’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing critical capabilities to coalition maritime operations,’ the DSCA noted.
Germany is requesting five Poseidon aircraft plus nine Multifunctional Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems 5, as well as commercial engines; EO and IR sensors; radar; electronic support measures; missile warning sensors; navigation systems (including GPS and inertial navigation); spare parts; training; software support; and engineering and logistics technical assistance.
German MPA capabilities are currently provided by a fleet of eight Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions but these are expected to be taken out of service in 2024.
A five-year upgrade programme for these aircraft was scheduled for completion in 2022, but work was suspended in June 2020 due to increasing cost and technical problems causing extended delays. Modernisation of only two P-3Cs will be completed, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
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Maritime Airborne Warfare System (MAWS) [Germany]
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
Other countries, including Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Latvia, have also donated funds towards drones and maritime training for Ukraine.
The contracts include a $678.4-million contract for F-35 modification kits, along with an earlier December 2024 contract worth $11.7 billion for the production and delivery of 145 F-35 Lot 18 aircraft.
Despite local media reports, an analyst has suggested that the country could be using these discussions as a way to gain bargaining power to bolster its bid to join the Global Combat Air Programme.
Work on the F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) kit production is expected to conclude by 2030. It will provide the USAF’s F-15E and F-15EX aircraft with the latest electronic warfare (EW) countermeasure system.
According to Leonardo, the rotorcraft will conduct its first flight by mid-2025, following on from its £60 million (US$ 75 million) contract award in July 2022.