Largest Air Force transport Airbus A400M lands in Halim airport

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force's biggest transport aircraft, the Airbus A400M, landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Monday morning, greeted by the traditional Indonesian Air Force water salute ceremony.

Based on ANTARA's observation at the scene at 7:45 a.m. local time, the aircraft was seen passing through a shower of water from fire trucks on both sides of the aircraft.

The aircraft's arrival was also applauded by all Air Force officers and guests invited at the Air Base.

The aircraft is scheduled to be symbolically handed over by President Prabowo Subianto to the TNI Commander, who will then hand it over to the Air Force leadership.

The aircraft will later be stationed at Squadron 31 at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta.

Previously, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract to order two Airbus A400M aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force in multirole tanker and transport configurations.

The contract, signed on the sidelines of the 2021 Dubai Airshow, became effective in 2022 and includes a comprehensive maintenance and training support package.

A Letter of Intent was also signed for a potential purchase of four additional aircraft.

The Airbus A400M is a dependable tactical transport aircraft capable of delivering troops and cargo across diverse terrains.

For strategic transport, the aircraft can transport heavy and wide-sized goods and logistics equipment, with a maximum payload capacity of up to 37 tons.

The A400M is the first large airlifter capable of transporting heavy loads, such as 80-ton fuel trucks and excavators.

In addition, this aircraft can transport 116 fully equipped and ready-to-combat personnel.

It can also accommodate Patriot launchers, HEMT trucks, nine military pallets, and 54 personnel at a time.

The Indonesian Air Force will use the A400M for military logistics and non-combat operations, such as humanitarian missions and disaster response.

To prepare for its operation, 22 Indonesian Air Force personnel—including pilots and technicians—have been training in Spain with Airbus.

The A400M’s arrival is expected to enhance Indonesia’s air mobility and regional response capabilities in both defense and humanitarian operations.