Defence

Portugal has received its first EADS Casa C-295 tactical transport under a 2006 order for 12 of the type.

One of seven aircraft to be delivered in the transport configuration, Lisbon's first C-295 was accepted during an 18 November ceremony at the EADS Military Transport Aircraft division's Getafe facility near Madrid.

The remaining five aircraft will be equipped with EADS Casa's Fully Integrated Tactical System mission suite for maritime patrol and surveillance applications.

EADS says deliveries will run at a rate of one aircraft approximately every six weeks, with the new fleet to replace the Portuguese air force's EADS Casa C-212s. The tactical transports will be the first to enter service, it adds.

© EADS Casa

Signed in February 2006, Portugal's C-295 order also covers the provision of in-service support by EADS for an initial period of five years.