Airbus Defence and Space delivered to the Indonesian Air Force its first Airbus A400M tactical transport aircraft during a ceremony held at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta. The aircraft, bearing the registration A-4001, was received with the traditional “water salute,” marking a new milestone in the modernization and expansion of Indonesia’s military airlift and strategic capabilities.
The event was presided over by President Prabowo Subianto and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal M. Tonny Harjono, alongside senior officers who highlighted that the arrival of the A400M represents a qualitative leap in transport, rapid response, and inter-island support capabilities. The aircraft will enhance efficiency both in conventional military operations (OMP) and in military operations other than war (OMSP), such as humanitarian assistance, evacuation, and logistical support during natural disasters — missions of particular importance to an archipelagic nation like Indonesia.
This first delivery stems from a contract signed in November 2021 between Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence and Airbus Defence and Space, covering the acquisition of two A400Ms with an option for four additional units. During the handover ceremony, the President announced that the government will begin negotiations to purchase more aircraft of the same type to further strengthen the country’s strategic airlift capacity.
With this delivery, Indonesia becomes the tenth global operator of the A400M, joining the air forces of Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Malaysia, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Kazakhstan. The new aircraft will be assigned to the 31st Tactical Air Transport Squadron based at Halim Perdanakusuma, which is already conducting training in cooperation with Airbus technicians. The second aircraft is scheduled for delivery during the first half of 2026, completing the first phase of the program.
According to Airbus, the model delivered to Indonesia has been configured for both transport and aerial refueling (MRTT) missions, tailored to the logistical and operational needs of the Indonesian Air Force. The program also includes a technology transfer and industrial training plan through PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), which will be responsible for support, maintenance, and eventual component assembly — further consolidating the country’s technical and operational autonomy.
Additionally, Airbus stated that Indonesia is evaluating the possible integration of the new modular firefighting kit developed by the company. This roll-on/roll-off system allows the A400M to be rapidly converted into an aerial tanker capable of dropping up to 20,000 liters of water or retardant in a single pass.
Airbus and Indonesia share a long-standing partnership. The Indonesian Armed Forces currently operate over 60 Airbus-manufactured aircraft, including the C212, CN235, and C295 — many of which were produced locally in Bandung by PTDI. These models play vital roles in transport, maritime patrol, and logistical missions, reflecting the nation’s robust domestic aerospace production and maintenance capabilities.
Finally, it is worth noting that the A400M combines the tactical versatility of a medium transport aircraft with the range and payload of a strategic platform. It can carry up to 37 tons of cargo, operate from short or unpaved runways, and perform aerial refueling missions. Its design allows it to transport armored vehicles, light helicopters, or fully equipped troops, and to conduct long-range deployments without intermediate stops.
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