The first A400M tactical airlifter of the Indonesian Air Force | Photo: Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the first A400M military transport aircraft to Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence, marking a key milestone in the country’s programme to modernise its airlift capabilities. The aircraft will be operated by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).
The handover ceremony took place at Halim Air Force Base in Jakarta on November 3, 2025, following the aircraft’s transfer from Airbus’s final assembly line in Seville, Spain. Indonesia ordered two A400Ms in 2021, with the second delivery scheduled for 2026.
Karl-Heinz Grossman, Head of International at Airbus Defence and Space, said, “Today we welcome Indonesia as the tenth operator of the A400M. 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.”
Airbus will also provide the Indonesian Air Force with training and support services to ensure a smooth entry into service. The A400M will be used for cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions. With a maximum payload of 37 tonnes, it can carry heavy and oversized loads such as helicopters, vehicles, and relief supplies. For an average 30-tonne load, it can cover 2,400 nautical miles—sufficient to reach any part of Indonesia’s vast archipelago.
In addition, Indonesia plans to study the integration of Airbus’s new modular firefighting kit for the A400M. This roll-on/roll-off system allows the aircraft to be converted into a water bomber capable of dropping up to 20,000 litres of water or retardant in one pass, enhancing the country’s wildfire response capacity.
Discover more from StratPost
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
