Indonesia delivers CN-235 to South Korea

The South Korean coast guard is receiving the fourth and last CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft ordered from PT Dirgantara Indonesia. The aircraft, a derivative of the CN-235 developed by PT Dirgantara and Construcciones Aeronauticas SA of Spain, left Indonesia on Friday following a ceremony. "It is particularly encouraging to know that the defense-industry cooperation has grown steadily and expanded considerably in recent years," the Jakarta Times quoted South Korean Ambassador Kim Young-sun. "I believe our defense-industry cooperation is characterized by mutual benefit based on mutual trust through win-win cooperation." The twin-engine CN-235 has a range of nearly 1,700 miles, a cruise speed of 281 miles per hour and an operational ceiling of 25,000 feet. The maritime patrol variant for the South Korean coast guard features search radar, forward-looking infrared radar and tactical navigation. Under the 2008 contract for the aircraft, South Korea has an option for eight more CN-235s. PT DI said it expects to begin negotiations next year for the additional aircraft.