Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s first A400M transport aircraft is scheduled to arrive on Nov. 3, 2025, marking a significant boost to the country’s air transport and defense capabilities, the Air Force said on Saturday.
Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana, head of the Indonesian Air Force Information Service, said Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin will personally receive the aircraft before officially handing it over to the Air Force.
“With this delivery, the Air Force will strengthen its transport fleet to support national defense and logistics operations,” Suadnyana said.
He noted that the A400M will be used for military logistics and non-combat operations, such as humanitarian missions and disaster response.
The Defense Ministry signed a contract in 2021 to purchase two Airbus A400M aircraft configured for multirole tanker and transport missions.
The agreement, made during the Dubai Airshow, took effect in 2022 and includes maintenance and training support. A Letter of Intent was also signed for a potential purchase of four additional aircraft.
Designed for both tactical and strategic transport, the A400M can deliver personnel and cargo across varied terrains. It has a maximum payload capacity of 37 tons and can carry large equipment such as fuel trucks, excavators, and air defense systems like Patriot Launchers.
The aircraft can also transport up to 116 fully equipped troops, nine military pallets, or 54 personnel at once, making it one of the most versatile airlifters in its class.
To prepare for its operation, 22 Indonesian Air Force personnel—including pilots and technicians—have been training in Spain with Airbus.
“All 22 will return with the aircraft when it lands in Jakarta,” Suadnyana said.
The A400M’s arrival is expected to enhance Indonesia’s air mobility and regional response capabilities in both defense and humanitarian operations.
