The Mexican Navy received the first CN-235  Persuader Maritime Surveillance aircraft under the Merida Initiative counter-narcotics program.

Airbus Military Copyright (Photo link: http://www.eadsnorthamerica.com/)

This is the first of four Persuaders donated by the US Government to Mexico. The remaining three aircraft will be delivered over the first half of 2012.

These Persuaders should NOT be confused with those purchased directly by the Mexican Navy (a total of four) over the past years.

The Persuaders’ information-management system is the FITS (Fully Integrated Tactical System). The same system is already in use onboard six CASA C-212 Maritime Surveillance aircraft of the Mexican Navy.

Fully Integrated Tactical System FITS (Photo: http://www.airbusmilitary.com/Surveillance/CN235Persuader.aspx)

Airbus Military official statement:

16th November 2011

Mexico takes delivery of its first Airbus Military CN235 MPA ordered under the Mérida Initiative

The Mexican Navy has taken delivery of the first of four CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) ordered from Airbus Military through a contract with EADS North America under the Mérida Initiative, a joint program between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Mexico. The remaining three aircraft will be delivered in the first half of 2012.

This CN235 in MPA configuration incorporates the latest technology developed for surveillance over the sea. The combination of the Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) system and a Search Radar allows this aircraft to locate and track ships to conduct thorough patrols of a coastline. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) and the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS) help make this aircraft the ideal tool to carry out military surveillance missions for the Mexican Navy. The FITS was entirely developed by Airbus Military and ensures that the extensive data gathered by the aircraft’s on-board sensors can be easily used by the crew to execute their mission.

“It is an honor that the Mexican Navy is taking delivery of this Airbus Military CN235 MPA for its fleet. We are looking forward to the upcoming entry into service of this highly versatile aircraft that is ideal to help enforce law on the Mexican coastline”, says Airbus Military Head of Programmes, Rafael Tentor.

Including this latest delivery, the Mexican Navy already operates three CN235, which are to be added to the two CN235 operated by the Mexican federal police. The Mexican Air Force and Navy also operate nine C295 and six C212 aircraft.

To date, Airbus Military has sold 211 CN235 to 32 different operators in 20 countries all over the world.”