(NSI News Source Info) December 5, 2008: Aircraft will be among the first equipment purchased by Mexi
co with funds provided by the U.S. government under the Merida Initiative to provide assistance in combating drug trafficking in the region.
The initial $197 million of $400 million in fiscal 2008 funds approved by Congress for the initiative were released on Dec.3 after the signing of a letter of agreement between the Mexican and U.S. governments.
Merida is planned as a three-year, $1.4 billion initiative, with the majority of funding going to Mexico for equipment, technology and training and a smaller amount going to Central American allies.
A significant portion of the FY '08 and '09 funding will go towards acquiring or upgrading aircraft used by Mexico for counternarcotics and counterterrorist surveillance and support.
The Mexican navy is to receive $200 million for four EADS Casa CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft, with the Mexican government planned to buy another six with its own funds. The aircraft will have the same configuration as the HC-144A Ocean Sentry variants flown by the U.S Coast Guard under the Deepwater program.
The CN-235s will augment seven maritime-patrol EADS Casa C-212s operated by the navy and replace three ex-Israel Northrop Grumman E-2Cs that have been retired.
The Mexican air force is to get $104 million for eight Bell 412EP utility helicopters to augment four already in service and provide a complete squadron to support rapid-reaction forces.
Mexico's Federal Police Force likewise is to get $106 million for three Sikorsky UH-60 transport helicopters, while the Office of the Attorney General is to receive $2.8 million to refurbish two Cessna Citation IIs used to intercept drug-running aircraft.
co with funds provided by the U.S. government under the Merida Initiative to provide assistance in combating drug trafficking in the region.
The initial $197 million of $400 million in fiscal 2008 funds approved by Congress for the initiative were released on Dec.3 after the signing of a letter of agreement between the Mexican and U.S. governments.
Merida is planned as a three-year, $1.4 billion initiative, with the majority of funding going to Mexico for equipment, technology and training and a smaller amount going to Central American allies.
A significant portion of the FY '08 and '09 funding will go towards acquiring or upgrading aircraft used by Mexico for counternarcotics and counterterrorist surveillance and support.
The Mexican navy is to receive $200 million for four EADS Casa CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft, with the Mexican government planned to buy another six with its own funds. The aircraft will have the same configuration as the HC-144A Ocean Sentry variants flown by the U.S Coast Guard under the Deepwater program.
The CN-235s will augment seven maritime-patrol EADS Casa C-212s operated by the navy and replace three ex-Israel Northrop Grumman E-2Cs that have been retired.
The Mexican air force is to get $104 million for eight Bell 412EP utility helicopters to augment four already in service and provide a complete squadron to support rapid-reaction forces.
Mexico's Federal Police Force likewise is to get $106 million for three Sikorsky UH-60 transport helicopters, while the Office of the Attorney General is to receive $2.8 million to refurbish two Cessna Citation IIs used to intercept drug-running aircraft.
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