Indonesian Air Force Receives First A400M Aircraft from Airbus
Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the first Airbus A400M for the Indonesian Air Force, serving as the cornerstone of the country’s tactical and strategic airlift operations. With this delivery, Indonesia became the tenth country to operate this advanced aircraft type, following Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Luxembourg.
The delivery ceremony took place at the Halim Air Force Base in Jakarta, following the handing over of the aircraft at the Airbus facility in Seville, Spain. This marks the first of two A400M aircraft ordered by Indonesia in 2021, with the agreement including a comprehensive maintenance and training support package. The second A400M is expected to be delivered in 2026. A Letter of Intent was also signed for the future acquisition of four additional A400M aircraft.
“This delivery is a strong demonstration of the trust placed in the A400M’s multi-role capabilities and suitability for operations in diverse and challenging environments such as Indonesia’s geographic complexity. We look forward to supporting the Indonesian Air Force as it begins operating the aircraft for national and regional missions,” said Karl-Heinz Grossman, Head of International at Airbus Defence and Space.
The Airbus A400M Atlas is a four-engine transport aircraft capable of carrying strategic cargo, delivering to unprepared airfields, and acting as a tanker. Larger than a C-130 Hercules and smaller than a C-17, the A400M has a maximum payload capacity of 37 tons and a cargo compartment volume of 340 cubic meters. Thanks to its four EuroProp International (EPI) TP400 turboprop engines, the A400M has a maximum range of 8900 km, can reach altitudes of up to 11,300 meters, and has a cruising speed of 781 km/h.
With these advanced aircraft, the Indonesian Air Force will not only enhance its regional airlift capabilities but also strengthen its ability to respond swiftly to crises, such as the 2018 earthquake and tsunami.