LIMA 2017: ATR 72MP eyes Malaysian waters
The Italian Air Force exhibited its ATR 72MP maritime patrol aircraft for the first time outside of Italy at the LIMA 2017 exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia. The fact that it was in Malaysia indicates that Leonardo is hopeful of meeting a long-standing maritime patrol aircraft requirement there.
In Italian service it is known as the P-72A, and the first two of four examples were delivered in December 2016. They have not reached an initial operating capability yet, but this is expected in 2017.
With Malaysian waters subject to smuggling, illegal fishing, piracy, insurgents and intrusion by foreign vessels, the
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 Naval Warfare
-
![How Canada is preparing the future River-class destroyers to endure uncrewed threats]()
How Canada is preparing the future River-class destroyers to endure uncrewed threats
Designed in 2019, Canada's new River-class destroyers are planned to be handed over by the 2050s. The long procurement timeline has cast doubt on whether the platforms will be obsolete for tomorrow’s warfare.
-
![Latest Russian subsea standoff puts pressure on the UK’s seabed defence strategy]()
Latest Russian subsea standoff puts pressure on the UK’s seabed defence strategy
UK defence secretary John Healey’s exposure of a covert Russian deep-sea operation against undersea infrastructure in the Atlantic validates the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Bastion concept but lays bare a capacity gap that autonomous systems, allied integration and sustained investment must close.
-
![Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?]()
Could the USCG icebreaker requirement open the door for more inland shipbuilding?
The formation of a Great Lakes shipbuilding alliance could prompt a shift in how the US approaches naval and coast guard construction. But can distributed inland shipyards ease the country’s shipbuilding capacity?
