According to DefenceWeb, Botswana is replacing its fleet of six PC-7 turboprop trainer aircraft with five new PC-7 Mk Ⅱs. The contract is valued at about $44.8 million, and includes spares, plus support and training for pilots and technicians. Deliveries will run through 2013, during which year the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) will transition to the new aircraft. Chilean naval officer Rear Adm. Rafael Gonzalez has indicated that the service is looking to replace its icebreaker, the Almirante Vial, which, says Gonzalez, is to be retired in 2015. In order for Chile to continue operations in the Antarctic, the Navy will need a replacement vessel. Furthermore, the Antarctic Policy Council recently agreed to let Chile increase its presence in Antarctica; this can only be attained with a new icebreaker. The vessel could cost as much as $250 million since the Navy wants the new vessel to be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to conduct scientific research in subfreezing conditions.
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