July 02nd, 2025
PTDI's CN235 Involved in Joint ISR Operations with P-8A Poseidon in CARAT 2025 Exercise
Bandung (02/07) – The CN235-220 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) produced by PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) played a role in the Joint Exercise (Latma) Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2025 between the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) and the United States Navy (US Navy) held on June 28, 2025. In this exercise, the CN235-220 MPA from Squadron 800 Wing 2 Puspenerbal conducted a Surveillance Exercise (SURVEX) mission in coordination with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft of the US Navy. This activity focuses on enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, which is one of the critical aspects in supporting readiness and effectiveness of maritime operations today.
As stated by the Commander of Squadron 600, who also serves as the Head of the Aviation Sector in the CARAT 2025 exercise, Naval Captain (P) Marwanto, this collaboration proves the capability of the Indonesian Navy's aircraft to integrate with international maritime air power. "The CN235 is not just a transport aircraft, but also a highly valued ISR platform. In this exercise, we demonstrated that our pilots are capable of operating alongside advanced systems such as Poseidon," he said.
During the exercise, this aircraft manufactured by PTDI carried out real-time maritime area monitoring missions, detecting and reporting the movement of target vessels with advanced mission systems. The use of the CN235 by the Indonesian Navy in joint operation scenarios with the US Navy shows that PTDI's products can stand alongside world-class ISR aircraft, while also proving the reliability and capability of domestically produced aircraft on a global level.
Until now, PTDI has produced and delivered a total of 70 units of the CN235 series aircraft to various customers worldwide. Within the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), there are currently 6 units of the CN235-220 MPA operational, and PTDI is in the process of completing the production of one additional CN235-220 Military Transport unit, which will become the 7th aircraft in the TNI AL fleet. The potential for using the CN235 aircraft continues to grow, particularly in the African and Latin American markets, which PTDI is actively exploring as part of its global market expansion strategy.
The CN235-220 aircraft produced by PTDI is designed as a fuel-efficient platform while still being optimal in performance, making it an ideal choice for various operational missions in hard-to-reach areas with minimal infrastructure. This aircraft is also the only one in its class equipped with a sufficiently large ramp-door, allowing for ease in rapid loading and unloading of logistics, including for tactical and humanitarian missions. With Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capability, this aircraft can operate on short or unpaved runways, making it very suitable for a wide range of missions as well as for archipelagic countries like Indonesia and remote areas in other countries. The CN235 also has a pressurized cabin for comfort and safety during long-distance flights and at high altitudes. Its avionics system has utilized a full glass cockpit, providing high visibility as well as ease of maneuvering and navigation in various weather conditions.
Not only excelling in design and technology, the CN235 is known for its high reliability and ease of maintenance, making its operational costs relatively low and efficient. This aircraft also offers a multipurpose and quick-change configuration, allowing for rapid transitions between various setups such as passenger transport, medical evacuation, logistics/cargo, VIP/VVIP, maritime patrol (MPA), to civilian versions. Supported by multi-hop capability, the CN235 is very suitable for periodic operations on medium-distance routes with high landing frequency. All these advantages are reinforced by the Aircraft Services (ACS) support from PTDI for all PTDI manufactured aircraft that have been operating globally. This service includes long-term support contracts for routine maintenance, provision of spare parts, as well as modifications and system upgrades to ensure lifetime serviceability of aircraft operating in customer environments.
"The presence of the CN235 aircraft produced by PTDI in the CARAT 2025 joint exercise alongside the Boeing P-8A Poseidon proves that the CN235 is a credible, reliable, and competitive platform. This represents an important momentum to strengthen the position of the CN235 in the global market and reaffirms the commitment of the domestic defense industry to provide strategic solutions for Indonesia's maritime strength," said Moh Arif Faisal, Director of Commerce, Technology & Development at PTDI.
For further information, you can contact:
Adi PrastowoCorporate Communications & Institutional Relations
ManagerPT Dirgantara Indonesia
Phone: +62 22 6055165
Email: aprastowo@indonesian-aerospace.com
Source: HUMAS PTDI