Guspurla Koarmada III Operates Aircraft to Strengthen Eastern Waters

Ambon (ANTARA) - The Naval Combat Group (Guspurla) of Koarmada III Maluku is operating the Aircraft (Pesud) P-8301, a CN235-220 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), to strengthen security in Indonesia’s eastern waters, particularly in supporting Operation Siaga Purla/Tameng Papua-26 Phase II.

The commander of Guspurla Koarmada III, First Admiral TNI Andri Kristianto, in Ambon on Wednesday, stated that the operation of the maritime patrol aircraft is a strategic step in enhancing surveillance and early detection of various potential threats in Indonesia’s eastern waters.

“This operation is very important to ensure that territorial sovereignty remains maintained, considering that eastern Indonesia has a fairly high level of vulnerability, both from potential territorial violations, illegal activities such as unlicensed fishing, to other security threats,” he said.

In carrying out the mission, Pesud P-8301 from Air Squadron 800 of Air Wing 2 at the Navy Aviation Centre (Puspenerbal) was piloted by Lieutenant Commander (Pilot) Wisnu Akbar under the operational control (BKO) of Guspurla Koarmada III.

The aircraft took off from Pattimura Airport in Ambon to sweep the operational area (Rahops), particularly the waters of Papua and surrounding areas, which are the focus of Operation Tameng Papua-26.

This operation also represents the Indonesian Navy’s readiness in maintaining national maritime security stability, while supporting government efforts to protect marine natural resources.

In addition, the operation’s implementation was directly monitored by relevant officials as a form of commitment to ensuring the optimal performance of the Navy’s air elements.

The aircraft was reported to have landed back at Pattimura Airport in Ambon safely and smoothly after completing its operational mission.