Page 31 - AirForces - Monthly (February 2020)

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unknown and
no one from the Abu Dhabi-
based company was willing to talk.
There is speculation that ongoing Airshow
development will focus on a larger was
and better-optimised aircraft, which officially
some sources identify as the B-350. opened, for the first time, by
Airbus Defence and Space also a formation of local military aircraft. UAE,
had reasons to be cheerful, with Nine Joint Aviation Command each day for
the declaration by the UAEAF&AD (JAC) helicopters, comprising three an afternoon display
on November 20 that it was set to AH-64Ds, three UH-60Ls and three was making its Dubai Airshow
acquire three more A330 Multi-Role CH-47Fs, were followed by an debut. No one was willing to discuss M260 launchers for unguided and
Tanker Transports (MRTTs), and Emirates A380 and the MB-339NATs possible F-35 sales to the UAE, guided rockets, with Raytheon
contract negotiations were about of the Al Fursan aerobatic team. although the lack of a Typhoon on Talon laser-guided rockets (LGRs)
to start. The announcement would, Then came a C-17A and four F-16Es, show suggests that BAE Systems being the local weapon of choice.
however, have come as a major plus an A330 MRTT (stripped of may have again given up hope of The Bell 407MRH and UH-60M
blow to Boeing, which was hoping UAEAF&AD titles and roundels) selling the fighter to the UAE. were also equipped with electro-
to clinch a deal for KC-46 tankers. with four Mirage 2000-9s. The static included four armed optical/infrared (EO/IR) turrets
The static display included a JAC helicopters – a UH-60L, – FLIR Star SAFIRE 260 on the
Exhibits major US Department of Defence UH-60M Armed Battle Hawk Bell 407MRH and FLIR BRITE
Taking a lead from the Saudi contingent, ranging from an F-22A to (ABH), Bell 407MRH and an Star II on the UH-60M, as well
International Airshow at Al a KC-46A. The 388th Fighter Wing AH-64D Apache. The first three as AGM-114 Hellfires and 0.5in
Thumamah in March, the Dubai F-35A that flew in from Al Dhafra, all fielded a common inventory of calibre GAU-19/A heavy machine

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