Casoria, Italy – Production has commenced on four A-VIATOR (AP.68TP-600) aircraft for the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Laut: TNI-AL) at the facilities of Italian manufacturer Vulcanair in Casoria, near Naples. The start of production, announced on February 11, marks a significant step in the Indonesian Navy’s modernization efforts, aimed at bolstering its maritime surveillance and utility capabilities.
The contract for the four twin-engine turboprop aircraft was initially signed in December 2023 and activated on January 29, 2026, following the completion of financing arrangements, according to Vulcanair. The deal extends beyond the aircraft themselves, encompassing pilot and maintenance training, as well as a customized flight simulator to support the TNI-AL’s operational readiness. While a specific delivery timeline has not yet been disclosed, the commencement of construction signals a tangible progression towards enhancing Indonesia’s naval aviation assets.
This procurement is part of a broader initiative by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to upgrade the TNI-AL’s aging fleet, replacing older, more costly aircraft with a modern and cost-effective solution. The A-VIATOR is intended to fulfill a diverse range of missions, including flight training, transport, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Modernizing Indonesia’s Naval Aviation Capabilities
The Indonesian Navy currently operates a relatively small air arm, considering the nation’s extensive maritime territory and archipelago. Its existing fixed-wing fleet includes aircraft such as the CASA C-212 Aviocar, CASA/IPTN CN-235, Beechcraft King Air 350i, Beechcraft G36 Bonanza, and Piper PA-28 Archer, according to a list of equipment maintained by Wikipedia. The addition of the A-VIATOR is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to monitor its vast maritime domain and respond to evolving security challenges.
The A-VIATOR (AP.68TP-600) is a high-wing, non-pressurized twin-engine turboprop, a variant of the Vulcanair P.68 series. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce 250-B17/F turboprop engines, each delivering 245 kW (328 shp) at 2,030 rpm, and equipped with three-blade, constant speed propellers, as detailed by Janes. The aircraft boasts a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of approximately 3,000 kg, a maximum cruise speed of 396 km/h (214 knots), and a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet. Its range extends to 1,050 nautical miles, and it is capable of operating from short, unprepared airstrips, making it well-suited for deployment across Indonesia’s diverse geography.
With a capacity for up to 11 occupants, the A-VIATOR’s versatile design allows for configuration to support a variety of roles, including cargo transport, maritime patrol, medical evacuation, and special missions. The aircraft is equipped with modern avionics, enabling safe and efficient instrument flight operations.
A Cost-Effective Solution for Maritime Security
Vulcanair highlighted that the Indonesian Navy selected the AP.68TP-600 following a market survey conducted in 2022, seeking a platform that balances modern capabilities with cost-effectiveness. Scramble.nl reports the order consists of four AP68-600TP A-Viator variants. The aircraft’s robust airframe and emphasis on ease of maintenance are intended to minimize operational costs and maximize uptime, providing a sustainable solution for the TNI-AL’s long-term needs.
The procurement of the A-VIATOR represents a strategic investment in Indonesia’s maritime security infrastructure. As the aircraft enter service, they are expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s extensive coastline and supporting a range of naval operations.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the completion of the aircraft construction and subsequent delivery to the Indonesian Navy. The successful integration of the A-VIATOR into the TNI-AL’s fleet will be a key indicator of the modernization program’s effectiveness and its contribution to enhancing Indonesia’s maritime defense capabilities.
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