On Friday, 30th April, the Chilean Navy received the first of three C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) that they ordered from Airbus Military in October 2007. The contract also includes five additional options.

The ceremony, presided by the Admiral Edmundo González Robles, Commander in Chief of the Navy, was celebrated at the air base “Viña del Mar” in the municipality of Concón (Chile) with the presence of the Commander of Naval Aviation, Rear-Admiral Cristián Davanzo, officers of the High Command, and Airbus Military’s Head of Commercial, Antonio Rodriguez Barberán

On the occasion of the delivery ceremony, Admiral González highlighted the importance of this contract: “this is a really important milestone for our Navy, as this aircraft provides it with invaluable strategic and operational capabilities to fulfill our maritime surveillance, transport and antisubmarine needs. This is an important first step in our fleet modernization process”.

Antonio Rodriguez, for his part, stressed the good relationship between Chile and Airbus Military: “Chile is one of our most important customers, having already ordered the C212s and CN235s. It herewith demonstrates its trust in our company, its products and services, which we strive to always improve. Our objective is to offer the most suited solutions to ensure the highest customer satisfaction”.

With the delivery of the C295 MPA, the Chilean Naval Aviation initiates the renovation of its fixed-wing aircraft fleet, currently consisting of P-3ACHs, P-111s and C212s.

The C295 MPAs are equipped with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), entirely developed by Airbus Military. This system allows the best maritime surveillance, Exclusive Economic Zone control, and search and rescue activities for the Navy.

To date, Chile operates a fleet of 17 Airbus Military aircraft, 13 C212s, three CN235s, and now one C295s which are in service with the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

Source: EADS