Ministry of Defence Receives First C-295M Aircraft

The Minister of National Defence, Nuno Severiano Teixeira, will today Nov. 18 preside over the ceremony marking the delivery of the first C-295M aircraft to the Portuguese air force (Fora Area Portuguesa, FAP). The ceremony will take place at Getafe air base, Madrid.>> The C-295M acquisition program, part of the current Military Program Law, is intended to provide the FAP with modern aircraft having high capabilities and operational versatility, and adequate levels of safety and protection.>> To equip the FAP, Portugal is acquiring 12 tactical transport aircraft (Aeronaves de Transporte Tctico), of which five configured for maritime patrol and surveillance, from the Spanish aerospace manufacturer EADS-CASA. The C-295M fleet will gradually replace the fleet of CASA C-212 Aviocars currently in service.>> The useful payload and range of the C-295M are more than triple those of the C-212. The C-295M made its first flight in 1998, and is currently operated by 11 air forces throughout the world.>> While in Getafe, Defence Minister Nuno Severiano Teixeira will hold a bilateral meeting with his Spanish counterpart, Carme Chacn Piqueras, who will also attend the delivery ceremony.>> The Minister of Defence will return to Lisbon in late afternoon.>> -ends->>