CN-235 Selected as Deepwater Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Released on Wednesday, February 18, 2004

The Lockheed-Martin Corporation awarded EADS a $87.4 million contract for two CN-235-300M medium range maritime patrol aircraft in support of US Coast Guard's Deepwater program.

This contract includes the supply of two CN-235 aircraft in 2006, spare parts and integrated logistics support. The contract also includes an option for six additional aircraft bringing the total number of CN-235s purchased by the US Coast Guard to eight.

The total potential value of this contract with all options exercised could be approximately $300 million.

The Deepwater program intends to recapitalize the US Coast Guard with an integrated system of assets and capabilities. CN-235s will replace older and less capable aircraft, while providing a 2,000 nautical miles range and more than 10 hours of flight endurance. In addition, CN-235s will perform surveillance, search, rescue, and transport duties.

The CN-235-300M configured as maritime patrol aircraft will provide detection and identification of offshore threats. This information will be shared and relayed to US Coast Guard's C4ISR network.

The CN-235 aircraft purchased under Deepwater program are to be built in Spain. To date, this aircraft intended for both commercial and military markets has been sold to Spain, Indonesia, Ireland, France, South Korea, Turkey, and many other countries.