confirmed its commitment to furthering its close cooperation with the Republic of Serbia – already a user of Airbus military solutions. The two aircraft will be delivered in transport configuration, and feature Collins Aerospace’s advanced Pro Line Fusion avionics suite. However, the Airbus C-295 Persuader is also used in other countries as a multi- purpose transport, maritime reconnaissance, SAR, gunship, armed ISR and MPA/ASW roles – and an AEW&C variant has been jointly developed by Airbus Military and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). To date, Airbus has recorded 282 orders for the C295, with Spain’s Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) ordering a single example in April. The aircraft will complement the institute’s existing As Airbus Defence already announced in February, Serbia’s Air Force is destined to become the next operator of the C295. Two aircraft have been ordered, according to the company – making Serbia the 36th user – in 33 countries around the world. Delivery is scheduled for the end of 2023. [As this issue went to press, Airbus announced Angola has joined the list of C295 operators, ordering three aircraft]. The Serbian contract was signed in Madrid by high-ranking officials from both governments, and accompanied by an MoU between the respective Ministries of Defence that explores mutual development of future defence programmes. In a press statement at the time, Airbus André Forkert C295: New Users for the ‘Mini Herc’ Polish HONKER as internal load of a C295. Payload and cargo hold geometry allow the transport of two vehicles such as the Mercedes-G or Land Rover. (Photo: Airbus) Mobile Tactical Aviation Ground Refueling System (TAGRS) of the U.S. Marine Cops, manufactured by TITAN Defense from France. (Photo: TITAN Defense) f 40 · MT 3/2022 Feature
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