The contract, which provides for deliveries beginning next year through 2005, contains options for the purchase of up to 12 additional Star SAFIRE II systems, depending on funding availability. The systems will interface with the aircraft's fully integrated tactical system, which provides upgraded radar and FLIR imaging capability. The integration of the systems will take place at CASA's factory in Seville, Spain.
CASA aircraft are used for maritime patrol, fishery inspection, counter-narcotics operations, search and rescue and transport operations by the Mexican Navy's 1st Naval Air Squadron, 2nd Naval Air Group.