Hi Tempest, I do agree that most aircraft used by the IAC are commercial with the exception of
the PC9s/CN235s. A Question then pops up, "Why do we need PC9s"?
Maybe we might have been better off having extra Helicopters/Cn235.
I don't have a 'prescription' for the AC. The PC-9s do get some operational use, so someone thinks it's advantageous to have a limited point air defence capability. For 60 million euro you could have bought a better platform for delivering it. And basic trainers.
Extra helis.... well we've gone from having 15 to 8 in a few years, and it looks like one will get tied up to providing anothr civilian role (Air Ambulance), so 7 available, let's say 5 on any one day, so in 2012 we can transport a platoon and a bit of soldiers. Some of them might gt a bit of protection from a couple of GPMGs! But they are civvie choppers, so let's hope they don't get shot at! Not good is it?
Madness not to exercise the purchase option on the leased CASA.