Initiative Will Strengthen Combat Search and Rescue Capability
Airbus Helicopters announced on 10 January that the Indonesian Air Force has ordered an additional eight H225M helicopters as part of its initiative to strengthen national combat search and rescue (CSAR) capabilities. The additional aircraft will join an existing six aircraft CSAR-dedicated fleet.
Under the agreement between the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), the 11t combat-proven helicopters will be delivered to the air force upon reassembly and completion of the mission equipment outfitting and customisation by PTDI at its facility in Bandung.
“We welcome Indonesia’s selection of our H225M helicopters for their expanding fleet. The H225M is a combat-proven helicopter that is well regarded by military customers worldwide, and Indonesia’s additional order speaks strongly of their confidence in Airbus’ helicopters,” commented Airbus Helicopters’ Executive Vice President, Global Business, Ben Bridge. “Indonesia continues to play a vital role in Airbus Helicopters’ global industrial footprint. With a trusted partner in PTDI, we stand ready to support the availability of Indonesia’s fleet.”
Airbus Helicopters and Indonesia have an enduring relationship, dating back to 1976, when PTDI first obtained a licence to produce the NBO-105 helicopter. Specifically on the H225, PTDI became a key supplier of the helicopter’s rear fuselage and main airframe in 2008, with full production in place in Indonesia by 2011. The two companies expanded the industrial cooperation in 2017, to include support and services dedicated for the Indonesian military fleet of helicopters.
The air force also ordered nine Bell 412EPIs slated for delivery to the Indonesian Army, which currently fields older Bell 412SP models that date back to the mid-1980s and are used in the utility role, as well as four 412EP (Enhanced Performance) models ordered in 2011, assigned to Indonesian Army Aviation wing’s Assault Squadron 21. The latest order of nine Bell 412EPIs will allow the army to replace some of the older 412SP units and supplement the four 412EPs.
