Philippines receives first Italian-made ATR 72-600MPA aircraft for maritime patrol operations.

As reported by Max Montero on May 26, 2025, the first ATR 72-600MPA maritime patrol aircraft ordered for the Philippine Air Force arrived in the Philippines on May 25, 2025, following a transfer from Italy with multiple stops, the last being in Phuket, Thailand. The aircraft, manufactured by Leonardo, is registered under the code CSX62349 with a manufacturer serial number of 1702. Based on an ATR-72, it was assembled in Toulouse and configured specifically for maritime patrol missions.
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The Philippine variant of the ATR 72-600MPA includes maritime surveillance systems adapted for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and maritime domain awareness (MDA) roles. (Picture source: Efrain Noel Morota via X/Max Montero)

Upon arrival, the aircraft was transferred to Philippine authorities and will now undergo post-delivery inspection and operational testing before entering service. While the Philippine Air Force has not yet confirmed the aircraft's final unit assignment, it is anticipated that it will be operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing, which is expected to consolidate the country’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets. The aircraft is one of two long-range patrol aircraft ordered through a $114 million contract awarded to Elbit Systems by an undisclosed Asia-Pacific country, which defense sources have consistently identified as the Philippines. This contract, signed in 2023, is to be fulfilled over five years and includes the integration of an advanced multi-mission suite developed by Elbit Systems.

The Philippine Department of National Defense reportedly considered postponing the agreement due to concerns over possible delays related to the conflict involving Israel, but this consideration was rejected, and the aircraft was delivered ahead of schedule. Elbit’s press release at the time of the contract signing confirmed that the aircraft would be based on the ATR 72-600 and would include a comprehensive package featuring a Mission Management System (MMS), radar, electro-optical systems, SIGINT equipment, and communication systems. While not publicly confirmed, the aircraft is believed to be equipped with the ELI-3360MPA suite. Philippine media sources also indicated that Elbit’s offer was selected over competing proposals from Airbus, which offered the P-295MPA, and IAI-Elta, which proposed its ELI-3360MPA variant.

The Philippine variant of the ATR 72-600MPA includes maritime surveillance systems adapted for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and maritime domain awareness (MDA) roles. It is equipped with an AN/APS-143 multi-mode X-band maritime surveillance radar with an integrated IFF interrogator. The aircraft is also fitted with a Wescam MX-20HD electro-optical sensor, which supports detection, tracking, and identification of objects, including human-sized targets in life rafts up to 128 kilometers away. The mission suite also includes the ability to relay telemetry data and multiple UHF radio frequencies beyond line-of-sight to land-based control centers. These features are integrated with the National Coast Watch Center and its maritime surveillance network. However, there has been no official confirmation of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities such as a Magnetic Anomaly Detector or sonobuoy deployment systems, and the aircraft is currently not believed to be equipped for ASW missions.

The ATR 72-600 airframe is the latest evolution of the ATR 72 line, first introduced in 1989 as a regional turboprop airliner. Developed by the ATR consortium, a joint venture between Aérospatiale (now part of Airbus) and Aeritalia (now part of Leonardo), the ATR 72 shares a high level of commonality with the smaller ATR 42. The ATR 72-600 variant is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines rated at 2,750 shp, features a modern glass cockpit with five LCD displays, and has a cruise speed of 465 km/h, an endurance of 10 hours plus 45 minutes holding time, and a service ceiling of 7,620 meters. The Philippine aircraft, which previously carried test registrations F-WWEB and F-WNUF, was delivered to Leonardo in April 2025 and was active as of 9 May 2025.

Several countries have procured ATR 72 aircraft for maritime patrol and ISR roles. The Turkish Navy operates both ATR 72-600 TMUA (utility) and TMPA (patrol) variants, developed with Turkish Aerospace Industries and configured for ASW and anti-surface warfare. Italy operates four ATR 72MPs, designated P-72A, which were initially intended to replace the Breguet Atlantic in ASW roles but were later delivered without ASW capability. These aircraft are equipped with Leonardo’s ATOS mission system and can potentially be converted to carry torpedoes and sonobuoys. Italy’s Guardia di Finanza also ordered P-72B aircraft for maritime patrol and customs enforcement, supplementing an existing fleet of ATR-42MPs. Malaysia has ordered two ATR 72s for maritime roles, and Pakistan operates ATR 72-500-based Sea Eagle variants for surveillance missions. FedEx Express also uses the ATR 72-600F, a freighter version launched in 2017, with deliveries beginning in December 2020 and operated by ASL Airlines Ireland.

The ATR 72 airframe has undergone continuous development since its launch. Initially introduced as the ATR 72-100 series, the aircraft evolved into the -200, -210, -212A, and -500 variants before the current -600 model was launched in 2007. The ATR 72-600 introduced upgraded avionics, higher maximum takeoff weight, six-bladed propellers, and improved engine performance. In 2021, a further refinement, the PW127XT engine, offered reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. By 2024, over 1,700 ATR 72 aircraft had been built, with multiple civilian and military operators. The type’s popularity stems from its operating efficiency, capability to operate from short and unprepared runways, and adaptability to various roles, including freighter, VIP transport, and maritime surveillance.

The ATR 72MPA’s modular design allows for integration of various sensor and communication systems, including the Leonardo Seaspray 7300 AESA radar, FLIR Star SAFIRE EO/IR turret, Automatic Identification System (AIS), and Airborne Search and Rescue System Direction Finder (ASARS DF). In military configurations such as the Italian P-72A, the aircraft is equipped with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), tactical navigation displays, SATCOM, and multiple radio systems. Optional equipment includes Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) systems, and a Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS). The baseline aircraft can accommodate up to four workstations for mission operators and is equipped with bubble observation windows and a launch door for SAR missions. The airframe can also support torpedo pylons and a Magnetic Anomaly Detector if configured for ASW roles.

The Philippine Air Force’s acquisition of the ATR 72-600MPA to replace its aging Fokker F.27-200MPA marks the first fixed-wing maritime patrol platform procured under Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro during the current phase of the Philippine military modernization program. The aircraft joins an ISR fleet that currently includes Elbit Hermes UAVs, Insitu ScanEagles, and converted utility aircraft. The second ATR 72-600MPA is expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. The PAF will rely on the new aircraft for extended surveillance over maritime regions, including the West Philippine Sea and Benham Rise. The acquisition strengthens the PAF’s surveillance coverage and supports national maritime security and situational awareness objectives across its extensive exclusive economic zone.