Homeland Security

US Coast Guard acquires EADS CASA CN-235

Madrid/Washington, 12 May 2003

The US Coast Guard has decided to purchase two EADS CASA CN-235 aircraft as a first step of a multi-year, multi aircraft acquisition. The order was placed in the framework of the Deepwater programme, which is aimed at modernising and replacing the ageing surface and air fleet of the US Coast Guard.

This outcome is the fulfilment of a two year effort as a member of the Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS) team led by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

The Deepwater programme will improve the Coast Guard’s overall maritime homeland security capabilities and non-homeland security missions.

Delivery of the two aircraft is scheduled for 2006.

“We are extremely pleased by the Coast Guard selection of the CN-235 to perform this critical Homeland Security mission,” said Ralph Crosby, Chairman and CEO of EADS North America. “It is a clear example of the benefits of transatlantic cooperation. It is also another example of how EADS brings its global capabilities together to provide valued products to US governmental customers,” Ralph Crosby said. “The CN-235 best meets the operational needs of the Coast Guard and is a cost-effective choice for the American taxpayer.”

EADS CASA Chairman Francisco Fernandez Sainz added: “The US Coast Guard has selected an EADS CASA product, after a scrupulous and professional evaluation. This confirms the superb characteristics and flexibility of the CN-235 for this kind of mission. Deepwater is a breakthrough for international industrial cooperation in Homeland Defense. Maritime Patrol Aircraft will provide the Coast Guard with the ability to meet overall system requirements.”

The CN-235 is produced by EADS-CASA in Spain with substantial US content, including avionics, propulsion and subsystems. Engines are produced by General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts.

EADS is a global aerospace and defence company and is the world’s second largest in terms of revenues with EUR 29.9 billion in 2002. EADS has a workforce of more than 100,000 and is a market leader in defence technology, commercial aircraft, helicopters, space, military transport and combat aircraft, as well as related services. It’s family of leading brands includes the commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter, the space company Astrium and MBDA, the world’s second largest missile company. EADS is the biggest partner in the Eurofighter consortium and heads the A400M military transport aircraft programme. The company has over 70 sites in Germany, France, Great Britain and Spain. It is active in many regions worldwide, including the U.S., Russia and Asia.

Contact:

EADS CASA
Miguel Sanchez
+34 91 585 77 89

EADS
Rainer Ohler
+49 89 60734235
Roland Sanguinetti
+33 1 4224 2426