Airbus Defence & Space has delivered the first A400M tactical transport due for the Indonesian air force.
The aircraft was handed over at Airbus’s facility in Seville, Spain, while a delivery ceremony was held at Indonesia’s Halim air force base, near Jakarta, says Airbus.
“Today we welcome Indonesia as the tenth operator of the A400M,” says Karl-Heinz Grossman, who heads Airbus Defence & Space’s international business.
“This delivery is a strong demonstration of the trust placed in the aircraft’s multi-role capabilities and suitability for operations in diverse and challenging environments such as the country’s geographic complexity. We look forward to supporting the Indonesian air force as it begins operating the A400M for national and regional missions.”
The European airframer will provide Indonesia with training and logistics support as the aircraft enters service.
It adds that Jakarta will evaluate a roll-on/roll-off firefighting kit for the aircraft, which would allow it to drop up to 20,000 litres (5,280USgal) of fire retardant or water. Airbus conducted tests in April to validate the A400M’s firefighting capability.
Indonesia’s second A400M will be delivered in 2026. Jakarta finalised an order for the two aircraft in late 2022.
Indonesia’s first A400M had its maiden flight on 1 August. Both of the nation’s A400Ms will have underwing pods to support air-to-air refuelling.
