Airbus, Singapore gains certification for A330 MRTT automatic air-to-air refueling
An Airbus official added that other countries, including Canada, have expressed interest in the capability.
An Airbus official added that other countries, including Canada, have expressed interest in the capability.
“F-35 is a very crucial platform for the Polish air power projection concept. I don't see any issues with that” contract going forward, said Maj. Gen. Cezary Wisniewski, deputy general commander of the Polish Armed Forces.
The Air Force plans to use the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus’s Capability Production Document “as the most affordable requirements basis” for the new program, potentially giving the embattled aerospace manufacturer a leg up in a competition.
Denmark and Sweden's participation in the the Multinational MRTT Fleet comes a month after the two nations, alongside their Nordic counterparts of Finland and Norway, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to join.
On the helicopter front, Airbus and Italian manufacturer Leonardo announced they are collaborating on a NH90 Block 2 multirole rotorcraft upgrade architecture study to determine the long term evolution of the type.
Turkish defense expert Barin Kayaoglu told Breaking Defense that the decision to buy new tankers is a “big need, and timely.”
The latest order will increase the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) A330 fleet to 10 platforms, after previous deals with Airbus were signed in 2008 and 2009.
The newest issue with the long-troubled tanker involves a part on the aircraft’s refueling boom.
After previously signaling Airbus’s A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport would best fill the role, the Canadian government formally awarded the company a contract to convert five used jets and build four new ones.
“If the [KC-Y] competition doesn't go forward, I'm not convinced the next competition would be for a [clean-sheet KC-Z]," said Larry Gallogly, Lockheed’s LMXT campaign director.
Although lawmakers repeatedly said their position wasn't meant to favor a particular company, in some respects the debate was held over parochial lines, as some of the most outspoken had interests in their districts.
Boeing expects to sell up to 42 KC-46 tankers in addition to its current backlog, said Mike Hafer, the company's senior manager for KC-46 business development.
The Air Force could not provide a cost estimate detailing what the service will pay in order to replace the KC-46's panoramic sensors.
“I love competition. I'm all for it. It's the best tool have to reduce costs. But we actually have to have a demand for the other aircraft that's being offered,” the Air Force Secretary said.