US Transfers CN235 Aircraft to Boost Malaysia’s Maritime Surveillance

5 months ago Editor

In a strategic move to enhance maritime security, the United States has handed over three CN235-220 surveillance aircraft to the Royal Malaysian Air Force. This initiative, marking a significant U.S. security grant, aims to bolster Malaysia’s aerial monitoring capabilities.

In a strategic effort to bolster maritime security, the United States handed over three CN235-220 maritime surveillance aircraft to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) on June 27. The formal handover took place at Subang Air Base, with U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan presenting the aircraft’s “Universal Hand Control Unit (UHCU)” to RMAF Commander Gen. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan.

Dignitaries present at the event included Deputy Secretary-General Policy YBrs Mr. Mohd Yani bin Daud, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Lt. Gen. Datuk Seri Hj Muhamad Norazlan bin Aris, and other senior RMAF officials. A delegation from the US Embassy also attended.

The U.S. Embassy in Malaysia announced that the U.S. government has allocated around $60 million through the Maritime Security Initiative to convert the three cargo planes to maritime surveillance configurations. The modifications were undertaken by CN235 manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia. This initiative represents the first major U.S. security grant in Malaysia, further complemented by Insitu ScanEagle drones provided to the Royal Malaysian Navy.

These CN235 aircraft feature maritime surveillance radars, electro-optical infrared turrets, beyond line-of-sight communications, and adaptable operator stations. PT Dirgantara Indonesia asserts that the aircraft’s radar can detect small targets up to 200 nautical miles away, enhancing Malaysia’s monitoring capabilities.

Photo Source: https://www.navalnews.com/

The conversion of the last CN235 was completed in June 2023, with the other two finalized in June and October 2022. These aircraft are stationed with 1 Squadron at Kucing Air Base in Sarawak, with one already participating in the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Taming Sari exercise in December 2023.

Malaysia’s maritime surveillance will further advance with the anticipated arrival of three Turkish Aerospace Industries Anka-S drones next year and two Leonardo-built ATR 72 maritime patrol aircraft starting in 2026.