EADS North America has delivered the second of four Airbus Military CN235-300 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to be supplied to the Mexican Navy. The foreign military sales contract for the aircraft is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, which uses the CN235-300 in the HC-144A Ocean Sentry configuration for missions ranging from search and rescue to drug interdiction. In January, EADS North America delivered its 13th HC-144A Ocean Sentry to the U.S. Coast Guard, two months ahead of schedule. The service plans to acquire a total of 36 of the twin-engine turboprops.
Mexico is the first U.S. foreign military sales customer for the successful Airbus Military CN235 tactical airlifter family, more than 250 of which are already in operation by 27 countries. EADS North America is also supplying spares provisioning, ground support equipment and associated training for the Mexican Navy aircraft.