2009-11-17 18:33:26
WAM Dubai, Nov 17th, 2009 (WAM) -- The UAE armed forces signed a contract with the Swiss Pilatus company to purchase 25 basic-training (PC-21) aircraft at cost Dh1. 89 billion, worth 520 million Swiss-Francs.

The move comes within the framework of developing and modernising the UAE Armed Forces.

Chief of Logistics at the UAE Armed Forces Headquarters Staff Major General Pilot Faris Mohammed Ahmed Al Mazrouei, said the contract entitles several training simulators, with all systems and services, to train and qualify pilots to follow up swift developments and to prepare to operate the fourth and the fifth generation aircraft in the future. (PC-21) aircraft will begin importing in the fourth quarter of 2011 and will be continued up to the first quarter of 2012.

He added that the aircraft will be used in the combat operational training during different stages of the training programmes, which will help train pilots in modern systems such as navigation, radar, electronic warfare, night vision, thermal cameras, autopilots and data-link systems. They will also help in training them in launching munitions, bombs and air to air and air to ground missile launching.

Al Mazrouei, indicated the General Headquarters, signed a contract with Saab, a Swedish company to purchase two SAAB340 Early Warning aircraft. The contract value is worth 148.3 million Euroes (814.4 million Dirham).The contract includes purchasing the aircraft, associated systems and providing air crews training and provide maintenance and repair services.

The first aircraft will be imported during the third quarter of 2010, while the second one will be delivered around the first quarter of 2011.This particular aircraft is used to provide Early Warning operations and training, being a fast solution that achieves the current air force operational requirements. UAE Air Force '&' Air Defence is currently evaluating several options to purchase permanent solution Command and Early Warning aircraft to meet the UAE Armed Forces operational requirements WAM/MN