France has ordered an additional eight CASA CN 235 light cargo aircraft from EADS CASA under a €225m ($300m) contract.

The French Air Force will take delivery of the new aircraft between the end of 2011 and mid-2013 to supplement its existing fleet of 19 CASA CN 235 aircraft.

The CN 235 light turboprop transport aircraft has a range of 3,500km, can carry up to 5t of freight or 40 passengers, and is used for freight transport and paratroop drops.

The contract, including provision for initial support, was awarded to EADS on 25 March 2010, according to Defenseworld.net.