UAE Boosts Airlift Capabilities | Aviation International News

UAE Boosts Airlift Capabilities

Dramatically expanding the country’s airlift capabilities, the United Arab Emirates plans to add Boeing C-17s and Lockheed Martin C-130Js.

By David Donald • Contributor - UK

March 16, 2009

Dramatically expanding the country’s airlift capabilities, the United Arab Emirates plans to add Boeing C-17s and Lockheed Martin C-130Js. The country is purchasing four C-17 Globemaster IIIs for AED4.3 billion ($1.17 billion), and 12 C-130Js for AED5.9 billion ($1.6 billion). Financial management of the purchases has been assigned to Al Waha Capital, and deliveries are scheduled for 2012 and 2013. The contracts will also cover support and training packages.

This massive airlift purchase is in line with the UAE’s aims of expanding its international role, particularly in the areas of support for peacekeeping forces and humanitarian assistance. The UAE Air Force and Air Defense currently operates a small number of C-130Hs. The 12 Super Hercules on order will all be for the stretched C-130J-30 version, and it is possible that four will be completed to KC-130J tanker/transport configuration.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.