LONDON – The Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam (MINDEF) on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has inked a contract with Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U for the purchase of an undisclosed number of Airbus C295MW transport aircraft.
The contract signing was met with much fanfare at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison. From the Bruneian side, was represented by Yang Mulia Colonel (Retired) Norsuriati Binti Haji Sharbini, Permanent Secretary (Policy, Finance and Administration).
Acting on behalf of Airbus Defence and Space S.A.U, Spain was Mr Jose Juan Corcia Palomo, Head of Southeast Asia, Airbus Singapore Pte Ltd.
At the hallmark event, the ceremony was witnessed by Yang Mulia Brigadier General (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Abd. Kadir, Deputy Minister of Defence.
Also in attendance were Yang Mulia Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Commander Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Permanent Secretary (Development, Maintenance and Technology), Service Commanders, Joint Force Commander, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Directors and senior officers from Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
The Brunei government thereof has committed to the best medium transport aircraft, which of course is the Airbus C-295.
The transport aircraft built by the European manufacturer currently operates in 34 different countries, which proves that the Airbus C295 is a well-capable and proven aircraft.
Nevertheless, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces have intended to purchase the C295 to replace the current CN235-110M, which they have operated since 1997.
This could mean the Brunei government has ordered 1 C295MW to replace the current sole transport workhorse.
The aircraft will surely increase Brunei’s air force capabilities to perform crucial tasks, such as general transportation, strategic airlift, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Medical Evacuation and Search and Rescue.
Earlier, we anticipated that the Brunei Armed Forces will order a sole C295 to replace the SN235. However, internal sources stated that the aircraft will be handed over in batches.
This suggests that the Armed Forces may be likely to order more than 2 aircraft. For a country like Brunei, small and not so populated, a single C295MW would satisfy the population.
About the C295
The C295 built by Airbus military is categorized as a tactical transport aircraft and was designed and manufactured by CASA, a Spanish aerospace company, now renamed as Airbus Military.
The C295 was developed during the 1990s and was touted as the successor of the popular CASA/IPTN CN-235 transport aircraft.
The C295 is a capable aircraft, as it is a transport aircraft with wingtip divides to improve performances during the crucial phases of flight; take-off and landing.
The machine itself has a carrying capacity for 71 troops, 48 paratroops, 27 stretchers five 88 × 108 inches pallets, or three light vehicles. This is perfect for the Brunei Armed Forces.
