The Indonesia Ministry of Defence has placed an order for two Airbus A400M aircraft in multirole tanker and transport configuration.
The agreement, which was confirmed by Airbus through an official statement, comprises the sale of the 2 aircraft, plus a letter of intent for 4 additional units. The contract takes effect in 2022 and will include a complete maintenance and training support package.
”This new order will further expand the A400M footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. The A400M offers outstanding capabilities to Indonesia, providing its air force with the perfect platform to deliver large and heavy loads into remote areas and multiplying its airpower projection thanks to reliable aerial refuelling capabilities,” said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space in a statement.
Indonesia has placed an order for 2️ Airbus #A400M in multirole tanker & transport configuration, expanding the aircraft’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region.https://t.co/hpQUzkWI4B pic.twitter.com/S78HlwY7QK
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) November 18, 2021
The A400M is capable of operating from rough and short runways, and will strengthen the Indonesian Air Force’s airlift capabilities to rapidly respond to any crisis, demonstrated in the aftermath of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck the country in 2018.
image from Airbus
The A400M was the first large airlifter able to deliver heavy loads like fuel trucks and excavators as well as food, clothes and medical supplies using a damaged and short runway in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.
“The #A400M offers outstanding capabilities to Indonesia, providing the perfect platform to deliver large & heavy loads into remote areas and multiplying its airpower projection capabilities as a reliable aerial refuelling platform.”
See Jean-Brice Dumont’s statement pic.twitter.com/iZiuJ0nNmD
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) November 18, 2021
“The A400M is a truly multi-role platform and will greatly enhance the Indonesian Air Force’s tactical air-to-air capabilities. This aircraft will play a key role in other key missions including paratrooping and heavy cargo transportation,” said Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defence of Indonesia.
“We are also looking at additional A400M acquisition in the near term, with future A400M developments such as firefighting an important capability we are exploring jointly with Airbus. The A400M will become a national asset and the cornerstone for Human Assistance and Disaster Response missions, beyond its tactical and air-to-air capabilities.”