Transport Aircraft

With our normal procurement timeline, it should have been started years ago, even if it starts now I don't see even IOC in 2028.

Bold assumption that thought has gone into capital purchases, I mean given our track record…

The recommendation was Super Medium and that's what we're looking at so it's bye-bye to the AW139 in any version.

Realistically, we're looking at either AW149 or H175M if we get the military spec version. (Civilian version of AW149 is the AW189).

Maybe the fear that Finance and DPER after having collective heart attacks from the sticker price, will kill off any investment? Though in the case of the two extra “139s”, I’m wondering what is the state of the 6?

That 149 looks the biz all right. Had a look at the spec on the company website. Didn't realise how roomy it is. Would have come in dead handy on the recent ARW gig.

The EU open tender acquisition process is not required for a state's national security needs. (Normally applied for every government purchase over €140000)

For defence tenders it can be beneficial to exact a good financial deal, even when a preferred bidder is known in advance.

If the need is pressing as with the military airlift capability, a state can bypass the tender requirement entirely.

I still think we'll see a tender here. Even if the 149 is the preferred outcome. The weighted criteria are key to determining the outcome.

I would be unusually surprised if anything outside of a Dassault or maybe Gulfstream is chosen and the GS might be out as ifs, GS don't do tenders in anything but USD.

Exactly! And the job should be sold on the basis that it gives you a qualification/experience that will give you the edge in your next job....EG apprenticeships etc. That's the way the Brits sell the job to recruits.

A similar case could be made for a revamped reservist system to leverage the huge amounts of professionals in various industries across the country. Israel, Singapore, South Korea and a few others have reservist units made up of pros whose day jobs are cybersecurity, medical work etc etc..Now I know "they have all have huge national service military's and massive pools of conscripts to cherry pick from" but I think our needs could be refined to what we require.

South Korea has chosen the Embraer C-390 as the ROKAF's new transport aircraft.

In Korean.

https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/29YDR0TSDJ

We should buy a couple. Or one at least. Tis superior to the C295 where larger numbers of personnel and equipment need to be transported, so would complement the logistics effort very well IMO.

KAI's MC-X was proposed for long term development, but it's a private venture and not likely to move forward anytime soon.

Like we should have originally ? Or perhaps it's quite convenient if you are qualified on the 189 by the IAC , and when you retire or buy yourself out , there's local employment options with the Coastguard who will be flying the same type. ?

Just sayin...........

Because they ain't want to be held liable for anyone else finding out they are a ball of shite.