Brunei Darussalam’s First Two C295 Medium Tactical Transport Aircraft Enter Service
Brunei Darussalam acquired four C295 medium tactical transport aircraft, designated as C295MW in December 2022 to strengthen its air capabilities.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The first two Airbus C295 medium tactical transport aircraft officially entered into service with the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF).
The Introduction to Service Ceremony was officiated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and His Royal Highness 920 Major (Udara) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah who flew on the C295 with the Royal Brunei Air Force’s 15 Squadron.
Brunei Darussalam acquired four C295, designated as C295MW in December 2022 to strengthen its air capabilities.
The agreement included Airbus’ DCare in-service support for the fleet assuring its mission readiness and availability.
Congratulating Brunei Darussalam on the new C295s, Head of Region Asia-Pacific for Airbus Defence and Space, Zakir Hamid in a statement released by Airbus said:
“Airbus is honoured to celebrate this important milestone with the Royal Brunei Air Force. The entry into service of these two aircraft marks the beginning of the RBAirF’s expanded operational capabilities.
“We appreciate the trust Brunei has in Airbus, and we look forward to the C295MW playing an integral role in RBAirF’s mission.”
Brunei’s new C295MW fleet, equipped with the latest avionics and radios, will be deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, aeromedical evacuations, non-combatant evacuation, as well as search and rescue operations.
It may also be configured to carry out troop and cargo lift, VIP transport, cargo drops as well as military freefall, and airborne static paratroop jumps.
The C295 is widely used by military forces globally. In Asia-Pacific, the tactical airlifter has gained popularity with the Royal Thai Army, Philippine Air Force, Vietnam People’s Air Force, Indonesian Air Force and Indonesian Police. — DSA
