Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the first A400M military transport aircraft to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, ushering in a new era for the country’s airlift capacity. The delivery follows the completion of the first of two A400M aircraft ordered by Indonesia in 2021. The second aircraft is expected to enter service in 2026.
The handover ceremony was held at Halim Air Force Base in Jakarta, following the aircraft’s delivery from Airbus facilities in Seville, Spain. Heavy tactical air transport operations with the A400M will be conducted by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).
Karl-Heinz Grossman, Head of International at Airbus Defence and Space, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Indonesia as the tenth operator of the A400M. This delivery is a clear demonstration of confidence in the A400M’s versatile capabilities and its potential to operate effectively in the country’s challenging geographical conditions. We are confident that the Indonesian Air Force will successfully employ this platform in national and regional operations.”
Airbus will also provide comprehensive training and technical support services to ensure the seamless integration of the A400M into the Indonesian Air Force fleet.
The new A400M aircraft will be compatible with the modular “roll-on/roll-off” firefighting kit developed for aerial firefighting missions. This system allows the aircraft to be converted into an air tanker capable of carrying up to 20,000 litres of water or retardant, significantly enhancing Indonesia’s ability to combat frequent forest fires.
The A400M delivered to Indonesia is configured for cargo, personnel transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions. Capable of carrying heavy loads of up to 37 tonnes, the aircraft can fly up to 2,400 nautical miles from Jakarta with an average mission payload of 30 tonnes.
Able to operate from short and unpaved runways, the A400M can also serve as an aerial refuelling platform. This capability extends the operational range of the Indonesian Air Force, acting as a strategic force multiplier in regional defence and humanitarian operations.
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