TSAMTO, September 12. The Dutch Coast Guard received the first DHC-8-102MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) maritime patrol aircraft. The second plane is expected to arrive in the Netherlands at the end of September.
As reported by Defbrief.com, the first aircraft arrived from Canada to the Netherlands on September 10, 2022. Now the Coast Guard will begin a series of training and test flights, and aircraft crews will complete preparations for the upcoming operational deployment. Until the second car is received, the existing King Air aircraft will be used as a backup aircraft.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the first DHC-8-102MPA arrived about six months later than expected. The delay is partly due to the crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recall that Canadian PAL Aerospace, a subsidiary of Exchange Income Corp., in August 2020 received notification of a preliminary decision regarding the award of a contract for the supply of two DHC-8 maritime patrol aircraft to the Dutch Coast Guard.
As reported in the press release of Exchange Income Corp., the contract was concluded with the Ministry of Defense on behalf of the Dutch Coast Guard with PAL Aerospace and the JetSupport consortium based on the results of the tender process, in which the JetSupport / PAL offer was recognized as having the best value for money.
The contract provided for the conversion of two twin-engine turboprop short-haul military transport DHC-8 Dash-8 into a naval reconnaissance version, crew training, and operation support for an initial 10-year period with the possibility of extension for two more terms in one year.
DHC-8 maritime patrol aircraft will be used to provide aerial reconnaissance in the North Sea in the interests of the Dutch Coast Guard. The tasks performed will include intelligence and surveillance, search and rescue, law enforcement functions, as well as periodic deployment in support of the European External Border Security Agency (FRONTEX).
The Netherlands Coast Guard (NLCG) is an independent organization. It performs the tasks of six ministries. As an administrator, the Dutch Ministry of Defense is responsible for the organization and management of the NLCG. Most of the staff of the Coast Guard Center is on the staff of the Ministry of Defense.
