Defence

The Argentinian air force is to acquire four Saab 340 transports under a $34 million deal agreed with Sweden's Saab Aircraft Leasing. To replace four Fokker F27s flown by military-run airline LADE, the aircraft will be based at Comodoro Rivadavia air base in southern Argentina and provide transport services throughout the Patagonia region. Two aircraft will be delivered from mid-2008 after receiving a communications system upgrade, with the remainder to follow in 2009. Saab Aerotech will provide logistics support services for the fleet. Argentina's selection follows a four-year process to acquire a fleet of replacement medium transports.