Good to see you again, it's been a while. How's everything in the land down under?
Indeed. 6 ships in one bang is a heck of a deal. This is exactly what we were saying about a year ago as far as the EN is concerned that they need to increase the number of modern frigates and they went out and did exactly that. Maybe they're listening to us? lol
What remains to be seen is what they end up with as far as these two are concerned.
I'd rather see the NH90 but if the deal for the AW-149 goes through, at least it'll be a helo that they're already familiar with having it already in the inventory for medivac. Either way, we'll need to see a higher level of maritime SAR caps, for sure.
Not worried about that at all. I do have a little concern regarding the US' reaction to this purchase. We'll have to wait and see if anything develops regarding that and Russian sanctions but if there is anytime to make these deals and take advantage of them is now, with the orange guy in office. The only thing is he might be powerless if congress decides to pass a resolution against Egypt since it's hell bent up against Russia, while Trump doesn't really care much about that.
BTW, there's some raging talk about a deal that involves a batch of JF-17 which would be rather interesting but a bit bizarre TBH. Should be an interesting next few months.