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
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