For the first time in history, Costa Rica purchased a Maritime Patrol Aircraft using Air Surveillance Service funds. This aircraft, thanks to the U.S. government, is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
This King Air 250 is joining the fight against drug trafficking and other illicit transnational activities and will also support humanitarian missions such as search and rescue operations and efforts to protect the country’s maritime resources.
Costa Rica invested more than USD 7 million in the purchase of this aircraft, and the United States contributed nearly USD 6 million to equip it with the most advanced technology.
U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day highlighted that this is a work plane that will help Costa Rica combat transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, and illegal fishing.