Angola has ordered three Airbus C295 medium tactical aircraft to perform multirole operations, the aircraft’s manufacturer announced on 21 April.
In a statement, Airbus said that two aircraft would be specifically equipped for maritime surveillance and one for transport missions.
The two C295s configured as Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) will play a crucial role in SAR, control of illegal fishing and borders, natural disasters support and intelligence-gathering missions.
They will be equipped with the Airbus-developed Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) mission system and other sensors.
The aircraft configured for transport missions will be able to carry out tactical cargo and troop transport tasks, paratrooping, load dropping or humanitarian missions.
All three aircraft will be equipped with the latest version of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.
The RAF’s expanding Protector RG1 fleet could play a growing role in UK maritime surveillance following its first domestic operational sorties, with further aircraft deliveries scheduled through 2027.
Leonardo’s integration of Shield AI’s Hivemind software could enable its Proteus uncrewed helicopter to conduct independent anti-submarine warfare missions, supporting the Royal Navy’s plans for a future hybrid air wing.
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
Connect with us on socials
