Khaled in Turin to inspect work on maritime aircraft
The air force has ordered two ATR-72 maritime patrol aircraft, which are being built in Turin, Italy. (Leonardo pic)
PETALING JAYA : Defence minister Khaled Nordin arrived in Turin, Italy, today for a two-day official working visit during which he will inspect progress on two maritime patrol aircraft ordered by the air force.
Khaled's delegation includes air force chief Asghar Khan Goriman Khan and a senior defence ministry official, Yani Daud, Bernama reported.
Malaysia has ordered two ATR-72 maritime aircraft from the Leonardo defence and arms company in a RM900 million deal announced in 2023. The air force has plans to buy six maritime patrol aircraft in all, as part of its 2055 development plan.
The ATR-72MP is a twin-turboprop aircraft for maritime patrol missions. It is equipped with sensors that provide capabilities for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and electronic intelligence gathering.
According to the manufacturer, the aircraft has capabilities for monitoring of sea lane traffic, fisheries protection, counter smuggling and counter drug trafficking operations, patrol of exclusive economic zones, as well as search and rescue operations.
Khaled is scheduled to leave for Berlin, Germany, on Monday to attend a United Nations ministerial forum on peacekeeping.
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