Ecuador requests Super Seasprites
The Ecuadorian government has requested two SH-2G Super Seasprites to boost the country's anti-submarine warfare capability.
In a statement to Congress by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Ecuador has also asked for associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for the two aircraft. The entire contract is expected to be worth around $60 million.
The refurbished machines will be modified to carry the HELRAS dipping sonar, the AAQ-22 FLIR system, and the AN/APS-143C search radar.
The DSCA said the proposed sale would: 'improve Ecuador’s capability to meet current and future anti-ship threats,' adding that the helicopters will 'perform antisubmarine warfare (ASW), antisurface warfare, search and rescue (SAR), and logistics support missions for the Ecuadorian Navy.'
The DSCA also said that the capabililty would: 'improve Ecuador’s ability to participate in the Maritime Multinational Operations with the US Navy, enhance Ecuador’s control of its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone, and will increase the Ecuadorian Navy’s SAR capabilities, further reducing Ecuador’s dependency on the United States in case of emergencies.'
The two aircraft are expected to be from a batch ordered by Australia which was later cancelled because a series of technical problems dogged their entry into service setting the programme back several years. Kaman has since been trying to sell the aircraft to other nations.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Argentina orders Bell 407s for military search and rescue missions
Argentina is to acquire six Bell 407 helicopters for search and rescue operations by the country's army and air force under a government-to-government contract with Canada.
-
Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design
Sikorsky has yet to reveal its production plans for its UK New Medium Helicopter contender while industry anxiously anticipate the release of critical acquisition targets. The company also continues the exploration of its X helicopter concept for the international market.
-
CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward
The Block II upgrade incorporates various enhancements to increase lift capability and commonality between US Army and allied fleets, reducing maintenance costs.
-
Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter
The donation of a utility helicopter by the UA will increase the Uruguayan peacekeeping deployment’s air support capabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-
Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight
On April 22, 2023, Turkish Aerospace’s T-625 GOKBEY general-purpose helicopter conducted a test flight with an indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine for the first time.
-
Canada to upgrade AW101 rescue helicopters in-country under Leonardo-IMP deal
Canada's IMP Aerospace will carry out upgrades on 13 of the 16 AW101 aircraft covered by the CMLU programme under a sub-contract from Leonardo Helicopters UK.