Bandung, The Indonesia Post – The Minister of Defense (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto handed over the CN235-220 MPA aircraft to the Air Force of the Republic of Senegal. The handover was made from the Dirgantara Indonesia Company (PTDI) Fixed Wing Hangar in Bandung, Thursday (18/3/2021).
Defense Minister Prabowo said President Joko Widodo had given instructions to the ministry he led to revive PTDI as a pioneer in the manufacture of aircraft and helicopters.
He said, PTDI had actually been a pioneer in the revival of Indonesian industry in the mid-1990s, but due to the dynamics of world politics, the direction of PTDI’s development experienced various obstacles. However, amidst the challenges of the last 20 years, PTDI has managed to survive and is still successful in selling the flying dragonfly products.
“The President has instructed the Ministry of Defense to encourage PTDI and other defense industries. To really support PTDI so that it can take a place as a pioneer again in Southeast Asia and even Asia, “Prabowo said in his statement.
On the same occasion, Chief of Air Force of Senegal Papa Souleymane SARR stated that Senegal had been using PTDI’s production aircraft for 10 years. According to him, this aircraft is the third.
Furthermore, he explained, the CN235-220 MPA aircraft was a special one because it was used as an airplane patrol, different from the two previous aircraft.
“We hope to get the same satisfaction as the two previous aircraft,” said the Senegalese KSAU.
In addition, he said, the cooperation between Senegal and Indonesia had been very good so far. This is because there are cultural similarities between the two countries.
“Senegal continues to seek the best opportunities to share experiences and future cooperation with Indonesia,” he said. (rma/bbs)
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