EADS wins $300 million contract for eight CASA light cargo aircraft from France

Following the decision of the French Minister of Defence, as announced late last year after a meeting of the Ministerial Investment Committee, France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has ordered eight CASA CN 235 light cargo aircraft. The contract, which also includes provision for initial support, was awarded on March 25, 2010 to EADS CASA, and is valued at 225 million euros. The aircraft will be delivered to the French Air Force between the end of 2011 and mid-2013. This acquisition is an interim measure to maintain French air transport capabilities pending the delivery of the A400M airlifter. The eight new aircraft will join the 19 CASA CN 235s already in service, and will provide greater flexibility in assigning missions among the three transport aircraft in service: C-160 Transall, C-130 Hercules and CASA CN 235. In service with the French Air Force since 1993, the CN 235 is a light turboprop transport aircraft used for freight transport and paratroop drops. With a range of 3,500 km., it can carry up to five tonnes of freight or 40 passengers.