US Hands Over Three CN235 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to Malaysia

In a significant boost to Malaysia’s maritime security capabilities, the United States has ceremonially handed over three CN235 maritime surveillance aircraft to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). The handover, which took place at Subang Air Base, marked a milestone in bilateral cooperation, underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations in enhancing regional security.

U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Edgard D. Kagan, personally presented the “Universal Hand Control Unit (UHCU)” of the aircraft’s sophisticated electro-optical/infra-red sensor turret to RMAF Commander Gen. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan, amidst a gathering of senior military and diplomatic officials.

The $60 million initiative, funded under the Maritime Security Initiative, facilitated the conversion of these cargo aircraft by PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Equipped with advanced maritime surveillance radars, electro-optical infrared turrets, and robust communication systems, these CN235s are poised to significantly bolster Malaysia’s maritime domain awareness capabilities. PT Dirgantara Indonesia has highlighted the aircraft’s capability to detect small targets up to 200 nautical miles away, showcasing their advanced sensor capabilities.

The completion of conversion work on these aircraft in 2022 and 2023 culminated in their operational readiness under 1 Squadron based at Kucing Air Base in Sarawak. One of these CN235s recently participated in the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Taming Sari live-fire exercise, further demonstrating their operational versatility and effectiveness.

Looking ahead, Malaysia anticipates further strengthening its maritime surveillance capabilities with the imminent arrival of Turkish Aerospace Industries’ Anka-S drones and the scheduled delivery of Leonardo-built ATR 72 maritime patrol aircraft in the coming years.

This significant enhancement in Malaysia’s defense infrastructure underscores both nations’ commitment to regional stability and maritime security cooperation, paving the way for enhanced operational capabilities and readiness in safeguarding maritime interests.