Korea Coast Guard receives third CN-235 MPA

The Korea Coast Guard (KCG) received on Friday its third CN-235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from state-owned aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI) in Bandung.

The South Korean agency placed an order in December 2008 to acquire four CN-235 MPAs in a total contract worth US$94 million.

“Before the third CN-235 MPA is flown to South Korea, the aircraft had undergone a testing series according to existing procedures and has carried out an admissions test,” PT DI aircraft integration director Budiman Saleh was quoted as saying by Antara news agency.

Despite having its own aerospace company, South Korea has ordered a number of CN-235s from PT DI for personnel and VIP transport missions since 1994.

“We have to maintain trust so that PT DI will continue to acquire new contracts, not only from South Korea, but also from other customers who need aircraft in the CN-235 class,” Budiman said.

He said the first and second aircraft for KCG were delivered in May, while the final aircraft would be delivered in the first quarter of 2012.

The CN-235 MPA is equipped with various specialized instruments, including forward-looking infra-red (IFF), identification friend-or-foe (IFF), tactical navigation and surveillance cameras to name a few.

PT DI reportedly defeated other industry contenders from Israel, Spain and the US to win the contract. (nvn)