In all seriousness, this MPA upgrade is good news, but equally important is what's NOT in the deal. No pair of C-295's, or even a single CN-235 airlifter. Either CASA will not or could not satisfy the airlift requirement, or not anytime soon for some reason - maybe next year, or some other company/product is in the running.
* C-27J? Alenia is anxious to make a sale, having lost out to the 295 recently with Portugal, Brazil, Algeria, and not hopeful with Finland. Willing to make a deal to add another customer?
*A new or used/overhauled C-130?
*A multi-role jet in the A-320 class that the GOC mentioned some time ago? I understand Boeing has or is about to pitch the 737-700C-QC to the government/MOD/IAC. Interesting. Carries as much cargo as a 130J and faster over the same distance - though no vehicles - plus 125pax or a palletized MATS configuration: about $US55 million with delivery within a year vs. $US65M and no delivery before 2008 for C-130J. H'mmm.....