Congo Defense Minister Visits PTDI Facility, To Review N219 Aircraft
PRESS RELEASE
No. PTD/008/SP-HUMAS/V/2023
Bandung, 11 May 2023 – Public Relation PTDI
In order to support the Emerging Economies Cooperation to improve Indonesia's cooperation with African countries, the Minister of Defense of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean Piere Gombo Bemba and his delegation, accompanied by the Director General of Pothan of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Major General TNI Mohammad Fadjar visited PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) production facilities received by PTDI President Director, Gita Amperiawan and PTDI Production Director, Batara Silaban.
DRC has a commitment to further explore the potential for cooperation with Indonesia, where on this occasion the N219 aircraft is considered capable of being used as a connectivity solution in Congo, which is currently one of DRC's main challenges in improving its mobility and economy. Meanwhile, the CN235-220 and NC212i aircraft can be used as the main platform for the DRC in safeguarding the sovereignty of its country and supporting the needs of the Congo Air Force in terms of protecting civilians in conflict areas.
"It will be a good opportunity for both countries to strengthen cooperation in the field of defense industry, especially on the potential for Transfer of Knowledge through training activities and potential future procurement," said Jean Piere Gombo Bemba, DRC Minister of Defense.
PTDI as one of the defense industries incorporated in Holding Defend ID, which is also the only aerospace industry in the Southeast Asia region has a vision to continue to expand the market globally, where currently PTDI has a footprint of CN235 series aircraft on the African continent totaling 7 units, namely 3 units for Senegal, 1 unit for Guinea, 1 unit for Burkina Faso and 2 units operating in Mauritania from the UAE grant program.
As for PTDI's internal research, for the next 10 years there is a potential replacement for several aircraft in the DRC region that are more than 30 years old and can be replaced with PTDI product class aircraft, especially N219, CN235-220 and NC212i aircraft.
"PTDI with all its capabilities will be committed to meeting every DRC aircraft requirement for various missions, both in terms of protecting the country's sovereignty, as well as supporting humanitarian missions in the DRC region. Therefore, this time will be a very good opportunity for us to strengthen relations between the two countries," said Gita Amperiawan, President Director of PTDI.
In order to support aircraft serviceability and readiness, PTDI will support DRC in the implementation of Maintenance Support, both in terms of providing spare parts, ground support equipment & tools, repair & overhaul, engineering modification, and technical services & training. In addition, as PTDI's effort to build its business ecosystem in the African region, PTDI can also provide cooperation in the construction of Maintenance Centers, Final Assembly Lines and Delivery Centers in the African region with various forms of high value-added collaboration to increase the competence of Congo's human resources in the aerospace sector.
For further information, you may contact :
Adi Prastowo
Corporate Communications & Promotions Manager
PT Dirgantara Indonesia
Source : Humas PTDI