News Story: Indonesia receives first CN-235 patrol aircraft

Spanish Air Force CN-235 maritime patrol/SAR (Image: Wiki)

JAKARTA, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The Indonesian navy took delivery of the first of three CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft from state aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

The handover was made at the PTDI facility in Bandung, in West Java province on the island of Java, The Jakarta Post reported.

Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the aircraft will be used to patrol for people-smuggling boats carrying illegal migrants headed for waters around Australia's Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island.

The navy operates the smaller NC-212 MP aircraft, also made by PTDI at its facility in Bandung, the Post said.

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