Airbus Candidate for Tanker Aircraft — (MinDef NL Dec 18/Dec 22, 2014; in Dutch; unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace) The international cooperation for the Multirole Tanker Transport aircraft has started an acquisition procedure with the firm Airbus for four new military tanker and transport aircraft. Joint purchase and operation of equipment to deploy is both cost-efficient and cheaper, Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said in a letter sent today to the House on the purchase procedure. European countries have a shortage of transport aircraft that can refuel in the air. In Europe, there are now 40 such aircraft of 9 different models. The multinational project aims to reduce deficit through joint procurement, operation and maintenance of these aircraft. The Netherlands leads the Multi Role Tanker Transport project. Hennis said: The project is an example of innovative, future-oriented cooperation of like-minded European countries. It means that joint strength can be increased. The participating countries seek a contract in 2016, writes the minister. In that case, the first aircraft is expected to operate from 2020. Dutch defense companies are involved as much as possible in the project. The home of the new tanker aircraft may be Eindhoven Air Base, where two KDC-10 tanker aircraft of the Dutch Air Force are based, but they will be retired from 2020. NATO is purchasing four new aircraft for participating countries. The Alliance also provides maintenance. DAE EDITOR’S NOTE: Despite repeated attempts, it was impossible to obtain a clarification of the final paragraph of the above statement from the Dutch MoD on Monday morning, Dec 22.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 12:03:52 +0000
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