Article Posted on : - Dec 12, 2009

JAKARTA (BNS): The Indonesian Navy has signed a deal worth US$80-million for three CB235-220 marine patrol planes with aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).

Speaking after signing the deal at the Defense Ministry here on Friday, PT DI President Director Budi Santoso said the first plane would be delivered two years from the date of signing the contract.

The planes would constitute the first phase of the Navy`s strategic procurement plan to procure six patrol marine aircraft in the 2010-2014 period, Indonesian news agency Antara news quoting Santoso said.

The aircraft would be equipped with detection and remote sensing sensors so that they would be especially suitable for surveillance as well as targeting duties. They also would have anti-submarine capabilities.

State Enterprises Minister Mustafa Abubakar, the energy and mineral resources minister, the National Defense Forces (TNI) commander, the National Police`s deputy chief attended the contract-signing ceremony at the Defense Ministry.