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A competition to secure a multi-billion dollar deal for advanced jet trainers to the United Arab Emirates air force may be drawing to a conclusion this week. Alenia Aermacchi’s M-346 is pitched against the Korean Aerospace T-50 in a selection battle which could result in an order for as many as 50 aircraft.
The Italian machine is tipped as the hot favorite by industry executives and others here.Speculation that a choice of an advanced jet trainer is imminent has been around before, only for hopes to be dashed by an evolving requirement and other issues.This time though, the expectation here amongst executives and the media is that the UAE will make an announcement before the IDEX defense show closes Feb 26.That speculation was fuelled earlier this week by a senior UAE military official who told reporters the Ministry of Defence hoped to announce a decision before the end of the show.The deal is heading toward Europe and the M-346 rather than the supersonic T-50 some here are saying.
The next 24 hours may tell.Alenia, though, is playing down expectation of a big contract win, with a spokesman saying they have no knowledge of which way the decision is going.An order for as many as 50 aircraft is up for grabs with the UAE expected to require the jets for advanced trainer and light attack roles.A flying demonstration team is also expected to use the winning aircraft .Originally the request for proposals covered the purchase of 33 aircraft with an option for a further seven.Recently the number of aircraft up for grabs has been increased.
One executive familiar with the negotiations said the requirement was split between20 trainers, a further 20 for combat duties and the remainder for a formation flying team.Some of the light attack aircraft would also likely be dual use for parts of the training curriculum, he said.Alenia is also involved in a parallel competition here which has seen its M-311 basic jet trainer bidding against the Pilatus PC-21.The Italian company says it does not know whether any announcement will be for both requirements or just the one.
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