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The latest Military News Updates from around the world, including items your friendly Defence Ministry would rather you didn't know! Typical Stories from the current issue ...
Dateline: 28th April 2008
* Turkey selected the CH-47F after considering various other helicopter options, including the Mil Mi-26, and is now keen to fast-track the $500 million purchase to meet urgent Army needs for troop support in actions against PKK activists operating in the south east of the country.
However US Army priorities may take precedence over a foreign sale and the Turkish government also has a history of stop-start acquisitions procurement.
* Three Royal Air Force Boeing Chinook HC.Mk.3 helicopters have so far been modified to a Mk.2½ configuration with revised avionics, under a contract placed with Qinetiq to put the eight grounded aircraft in service. All the helicopters have been hangared since delivery after the specified avionics failed to meet certification standards.
* Sources close to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) claim that procurement of up to four new AgustaWestland EH101 Cormorant helicopters is being discussed internally. The CAF is keen to replace the aircraft lost in a flying accident in 2006 and has recognised a need for additional Cormorants to maintain top readiness.