Arya Dipa, Bandung – State-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is displaying a CN235 gunship at the Singapore Airshow held at the Changi Exhibition Center from Feb. 11 to 16.
PTDI corporate communication manager Adi Prastowo said the company was seeking to "expand marketing and increase sales of products and services" by participating at the show.
He added that the CN235 gunship – a multifunctional vehicle that can carry cargo, paratroopers, medical teams and patrol squads – had been developed to meet market demand. The particular model displayed in Singapore also sported a 30-caliber machine gun.
"[The CN235] can provide air support for ground troops, combat search and rescue missions, naval patrols, as well as border patrols," Adi said in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that Pakistan, the Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Senegal were potential markets for the gunship.
Such African and Middle Eastern countries are among the many nontraditional markets eyed by PTDI as Indonesian businesses seek to fill global supply gaps arising from the US-China trade war.
The company exported at least two planes last year – one to Thailand and one to Nepal – and is slated to ship another plane to Senegal this year.
Through its participation at the air show, Adi said that the Bandung-based company was also trying to expand marketing and increase the sales of its products and services, include planes, helicopters and most recently, long-range military drones, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul services. (nor)