Article Posted on : - May 07, 2010

C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. An Airbus Military Photo.

SANTIAGO (BNS): The Chilean Navy recently received the first of three C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) that they have ordered from Airbus Military in October 2007.

The ceremony was presided by the Admiral Edmundo González Robles, Commander in Chief of the Navy here at the air base “Viña del Mar” in the municipality of Concón, according to a news release by the Airbus Military.

"This is really a important milestone for our Navy, as this aircraft provides us with invaluable strategic and operational capabilities to fulfill our maritime surveillance, transport and anti-submarine needs,” said Admiral González.

With the delivery of the C-295 MPA, the Chilean Naval Aviation has initiated the renovation of its fixed-wing aircraft fleet, currently consisting of P-3ACHs, P-111s and C212s.

The C-295 MPAs are equipped with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), developed by Airbus Military. This system allows the best maritime surveillance, Exclusive Economic Zone control, and search and rescue activities for the Navy.

Currently, Chile operates a fleet of 17 Airbus Military aircraft, 13 C212s, three CN235s, and now one C-295s which are in service with the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.