The UAE Armed Forces has announced the purchase of five C-295 military transport aircraft and related services from the Spanish Airbus Defence and Space.

This was announced by Major General Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Head of the Executive Administration of Industries and Development of Defense Capabilities at the Ministry of Defense and Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee for the Event for Operations, on the sidelines of the ongoing Dubai Air Show 2017.

Al Baloushi said that the purchase of the aircraft takes place within the framework of the directives of the wise leadership of the UAE to support and promote the comprehensive development of the Armed Forces in various branches and in line with the requirements of the Armed Forces.

He added that this purchase highlights the commitment to the development of the Armed Forces and the provision of all the elements that enable them to carry out their responsibilities and fulfill their duties. It is a constant commitment that constitutes top national priority, so that the Armed Forces remain at a high level of readiness to assume their responsibilities in defending the homeland and protecting its security and stability.

The new generation C295 is the ideal aircraft for defense and missions to the benefit of society, such as humanitarian actions, homeland security, and environmental surveillance.

Thanks to its robustness and reliability, simple systems, and optimal cabin, this medium sized tactical airlifter provides wide versatility and flexibility, necessary for personnel, troop and bulky/palletized cargo transportation, casualty evacuation, communication and logistic duties, and air-dropping. Its flexible design, long endurance and modern systems have made it an outstanding platform for a wide range of ISR roles including anti-submarine and ship warfare, airborne early warning, and maritime surveillance.

The C295 is part of the Airbus Defence and Space family of light and medium airlifters which also includes the earlier C212 and smaller CN235 platforms. Airbus Defence and Space now offers the C295, featuring as standard winglets and higher engine power ratings, giving increased performance in all flight phases and lower fuel burn.