Peace it is.You are correct CN-235’s are operated-not the C-295 which you suggested we buy more of-we’ll put it down to a typo.
There is nothing wrong with second hand Hercs-if they are suitably upgraded by the likes of Marshalls of Cambridge.Again an Austrian example can be cited to back that up.Fair point.
A limited number(6) of Blackhawks IS realistic.
However while I am a fan of the Mi-38-P&W engines and a Eurocopter designed cockpit,I could never see the Ka-60 being a runner.The reason behind this is that when the government of the day ordered the Dauphin,they took a chance.The IAC was the launch customer for that specific type.It was unproven and has a patchy track record at best-able to perform a variety of tasks but excelling at none of them.After only 18 yrs of service its au revoir to the French machine this summer.The Government also took a chance on the Defender 4000 ordered for the Garda(Police),again being the launch customer for the type.There were weight problems which grounded the aircraft for a long period of time before it was returned to service.
Proven types from a reputable Western manufacturer,with a good support network will only be considered.
From a financial point of view your suggestions have merit.Realistically,as options they are too risky and as such non runners.
As for AEW EH-101’s,how would you consider it realistic and not the Gripen?Surely a fighter without an AEW aircraft is still useful…but how so an AEW aircraft without a fighter?
The L-159,although not your ideal intercept aircraft from the rear hemisphere of an airliner that travels at a slightly higher velocity is still a very capable CAP(I wont insult your intelligence!) aircraft,for protecting EU summit meetings etc. I, like yourself think that with 54 almost new air frames lying unused in the Czech republic,a small number 6-8,could be acquired to provide if nothing else a visual deterrent/morale boosting capability.
While some of your suggestions are a bit out of the realms of possibility,others have merit.There is common ground and thats enough for me.
PS The Man U thing swung it for me…if the IAC could only have 1/10th of Fergies transfer kitty this summer;)