Indonesia is considering acquiring used Boeing CH-47 Chinooks to meet a heavylift helicopter requirement formulated after last December's Asian tsunami. The Indonesian government has expressed an interest in acquiring about four Chinooks to improve its ability to respond to natural disasters, but has not yet made a formal request to the USA, say industry sources.
The proposed deal would require US government approval because of Washington's partial embargo on arms sales to Indonesia, although the aircraft's non-offensive role and a warming in relations between the countries are expected to help. The US Army's cargo helicopter airframe procurement-support programme, which seeks foreign buyers for ex-US Army Chinooks, could offer a viable acquisition strategy for Indonesia, with Malaysia and Thailand also viewed as candidates.
BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
