PRE-LICENSE END USE CHECK ON APPLICATION 05-863618

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 002701

SIPDIS

BLUE LANTERN

PM/DTC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR, STATE FOR WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KOMC ETTC HO
SUBJECT: PRE-LICENSE END USE CHECK ON APPLICATION 05-863618

REF: SECSTATE 183680


1. This cable responds to the action requested in reftel.


2. SUMMARY: Post has verified that the Honduran Air Force
has contracted with ENAER (Empresa Nacional de Aeronautica)
in Santiago, Chile to support the repair of Honduran C-130
and F-5 aircraft for the 2002-2005 time frame. END SUMMARY.


3. Poloff confirmed with DAO and U.S. MilGroup officials
that the Honduran Air Force recently entered into a $10
million contract with ENAER of Santiago, Chile for the repair
and maintenance of the Air Force's C-130, F-5 and A-37
aircraft. Post understands that the contract is for the time
frame 2002-2005.


4. According to DAO and MilGroup, the $3 million worth of
spare parts for the routine repair and maintenance of the
aircraft is consistent with the reported $10 million dollar
contract with ENAER.


5. MilGroup reports that one of the Honduran Air Force's
C-130s has already been refurbished by the Chilean company,
and that it was delivered to the Hondurans in January 2002.

PIERCE