Defence

EADS named as preferred source for three-aircraft deal, but 'negotiations door' is still open to Boeing's KC-767

The United Arab Emirates is to launch negotiations with EADS on a possible three-aircraft Airbus A330 multirole tanker-transport (MRTT) acquisition, but is also flagging options for continued talks with Boeing on a KC-767 deal.
"We have signed a memorandum of understanding [MoU] with EADS to purchase three air tankers," UAE armed forces logistics chief Maj Gen Obaid Al Ketbi said last week, but added that "the negotiations door with Boeing is still open". The working-level MoU was signed during the IDEX show.
Confirming details of the agreement on 21 February, EADS said: "The expected order will be for three A330 MRTT aircraft, equipped with underwing pods and the EADS Casa advanced refuelling boom system." The aircraft will be due for delivery from 2011, according to the company.
Five of the aircraft are already under contract for the Royal Australian Air Force, and 14 are expected to equip the UK Royal Air Force under its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft programme.
Boeing has declined to comment on the specifics of last week's announcement. Jeffrey Johnson, vice-president Middle East for the company's Integrated Defense Systems business unit, says: "We will find ways to add value and do business with the UAE."