The Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF) is gearing up to upgrade its logistical capabilities, paradrop abilities, and surveillance of its land and maritime borders with Airbus C295MW. The South Asian nation ordered an unspecified number of the new-generation tactical airlifter, C-295MW, earlier last week.
According to a statement released by the Brunei Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the aforesaid contract for the Airbus C-295MW was signed with Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U., Spain, on Friday, December 02, 2022. The official signing ceremony was held at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison. The new aircraft are said to be delivered to RBAF in two batches. “The Aircraft will enhance RBAF’s capabilities to conduct various mission profiles, including Strategic Airlift, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, as well as Search and Rescue,” read the official release.
Currently, Brunei owns an Airbus CN235-110M. It has been operational with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) since 1997. “The C-295 is a medium transport aircraft currently operating in 34 different countries and is intended to replace the current CN235-110M, which the RBAF has operated since 1997,” stated the Brunei Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
The Airbus C-295 MW tactical airlifter will replace the Airbus CN235-110M to give RBAF a technological edge. It will equip the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) to keep up with newer technologies, modern avionics, and innovations in the aircraft space.
The Airbus C-295MW tactical airlifter is known for its highly versatile competencies like short take-off and landing (STOL) capability in the worst conditions for take-off and landings. The light and medium segment aircraft is fully capable of operating day and night in all weather conditions. The Airbus C-295 swiftly travels through short and unpaved airstrips in remote areas of the world where VIP aircraft fail to land. The aircraft is ideal for special military operations as well as civic rescue operations.
Read the official statement released by the Brunei Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) here.