PNG seeks to resurrect languishing CN-235 transports
This is one of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s CN-235s that is urgently in need of refurbishment. (Photo: PNG Air Transport Wing via Facebook)
The refurbishment of two CN-235 transport aircraft, if it can go ahead, would greatly boost the airlift capacity of PNG’s military.
In 2023, Papua New Guinea (PNG) will attempt to restore its two CN-235M-100 airlifters to operational status, after years of disrepair and neglect.
As part of the country’s 2023 national budget, $5 million has been allocated to restore them, after years of similar efforts failed to draw full resourcing.
The PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) originally procured both aircraft in the early 1990s from Indonesian Aerospace, in a bid to enhance its transport capability in a country where airlift is king due to an underdeveloped road network and remote inland areas.
Despite the importance of the capability, budgetary constraints and a
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years]()
Eurosatory 2026: How the deep-strike, loitering munition market skyrocketed to $13.8 billion in three years
Ukraine’s rapid development of long-range, deep-strike loitering munitions has helped turn the sector into a market worth an estimated US$13.2 billion. The reasons behind this were outlined during Eurosatory 2026, as other countries embark on the early stages of procuring this capability.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe]()
Eurosatory 2026: Why security agencies are expanding UAS operations across Europe
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are an increasingly important tool for Europe’s law enforcement and public security agencies, with the past two years seeing rapid growth in operational deployment, procurement and regulatory acceptance.
-
![Fuselage of the first US Army MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor “is nearing completion”]()
Fuselage of the first US Army MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor “is nearing completion”
Bell is advancing construction of the US Army’s next-generation MV-75 Cheyenne tiltrotor as FLRAA programme approaches testing, production and future battlefield deployment.
