Defence

Turkish delay

Turkey has for the third time extended a deadline for bids to supply its armed forces and government with 52 new utility helicopters. Expected participants AgustaWestland, Eurocopter, Kamov, NH Industries and Sikorsky now have until 15 September to express interest in the competition, which includes the provision of 20 aircraft for the army and six each for the air force and navy.

Indian spyder

The Indian army has selected Rafael’s Spyder mobile air-defence system over a rival offer of the VL-Mica from MBDA, with deliveries to start soon. The Israeli-developed Spyder system is based on Rafael’s Python 5 passive infrared and Derby active radar-guided air-to-air missiles, with an effective range of 15 km. The system uses an Elta search radar.

Boeing delivery

Boeing will deliver the 153rd of 180 C-17s to the USAF on 8 August from its Long Beach assembly plant in California, the first to be manufactured in a new Block 17 configuration. The last of eight C-17s to be delivered to Hickham AFB, Hawaii, enhancements include a new weather radar and an enhanced fuel inerting system.