Airbus’ partner PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) will assemble Indonesian Air Force’s new five-bladed H145 helicopters after an order was place during the Bali International Airshow.
The Indonesian Air Force placed an order for four Airbus H145 helicopters to be deployed for military training and light search-and-rescue missions.
As part of the agreement announced on September 18, 2024, PT Dirgantara Indonesia will manage the reassembly and completion of the mission equipment and other customization work on behalf of Airbus at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia, for final delivery to the air force.
The Airbus H145s will be the first in Indonesia but Airbus’ relationship with the country date back to 1976 when PTDI first obtained a license to produce the NBO-105 helicopter.
PTDI became a key supplier of Airbus H225’s rear fuselage and main airframe in 2008, with full production in place in Indonesia by 2011.
“We are honoured by Indonesia’s selection of the country’s first Airbus H145 for its new training fleet. We are fully confident that the highly versatile H145 will make a positive impact in enhancing its military pilot training and at the same time be a critical enabler for its search-and-rescue operations. With a trusted partner in PTDI, we look forward to working together in support of Indonesia’s fleet,” said Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia-Pacific at Airbus Helicopters.
Airbus and PTDI deepened their ties in 2017 to include support and services dedicated for the Indonesian military fleet of helicopters, and most recently collaborated to explore the development of aerostructure production for the manufacturer’s helicopter platform, helicopter completions, and enhancing local maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.
“We are deeply honoured by the trust placed by the Indonesian Air Force through their order of the H145 helicopters as part of their training modernisation programme. This collaboration not only strengthens the long-standing partnership between PTDI and Airbus, but also showcases our commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for national operational needs. Through this close partnership, PTDI will not only support the delivery of the H145 helicopters but will also enhance our capabilities in terms of integration and assembly at our facilities,” said Gita Amperiawan, President Director at PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
Amperiawan added: “We are confident that this cooperation will create new opportunities for the development of the national aerospace industry and further sustain the long-term relationship between PTDI and Airbus, which we continue to strengthen for a more advanced future.”
The latest version of Airbus’ best-selling H145 adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission H145, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg.
Worldwide, there are more than 1,700 H145 family helicopters in service, with over 7.9 million flight hours.
