Thai Navy Discussing Transport Purchase with PTDI

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is in discussion with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) over the potential purchase of up to 20 twin-turbo N219 utility transport aircraft.
PTDI officials expect to sign a contract in 2014 to build and supply the aircraft in collaboration with local company Thai Aviation Industries (TAI).
As expected, the Thai Navy as part of the new aircraft will replace the outdated N22 Nomad Searchmasters and F27 Friendship, put the Thai military in the 1980s.
Officials said the agreement is likely to centre on the production of the aircraft in Indonesia with technologies transferred to TAI to facilitate localised maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.
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