International Briefs

More helicopters for Jordan

THE Royal Jordanian Air Force has ordered another four Eurocopter EC635TI military light helicopters, two for delivery this year and two for 2007.

The RJAF currently operates nine EC635TIs in border surveillance and enhanced mobility roles but the latest order is believed to be for special force operations. The helicopters can carry a pilot plus six troops and can be armed with a podded 20mm cannon or 70mm rocket launchers. The RJAF will also acquire eight additional new-build UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters under the US government’s foreign military sales program.

Russia ‘Triumphs’ with missiles

THE Russian S-400 ‘Triumph’ surface-to-air missiles (SAM) will be on duty later this year. The long-range anti-aircraft missile system was delivered to the Russian Air Force last year with a view to combat readiness later this year. Currently the Russian Air Force has a total of 35 SAM regiments, all eventually to be re-armed with the S-400. The Russians are also likely to receive some short-range missile units from land forces.

Spain to sell to Venezuela

SPAIN will go ahead with the sale of 12 transport and surveillance aircraft to Venezuela despite attempts by the US to block the deal.

Iraqi Air Force to receive boost

THE first of 16 ex-Royal Jordanian Air Force UH-1H utility helicopters have been upgraded and will be delivered to the Iraqi Air Force by the end of this year. The UH-1Hs will have a full Huey II configuration with reinforced structures, new rotor blades and tail booms and upgraded engines with 30 per cent more take-off power.

Radar for Oman

THE Royal Air Force of Oman will receive a tactical airport surveillance radar/secondary surveillance radar with a power system, an air-traffic control centre subsystem, a control tower system and related services.

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