The Indonesian Air Force has taken delivery of eight H225M helicopters manufactured by Airbus to support transport and other military missions.
The Indonesian Air Force has taken delivery of eight H225M helicopters manufactured by Airbus to support transport and other military missions.
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto led a hand-over ceremony earlier this month, along with representatives from the service and industry partners.
The choppers were locally assembled by PT Dirgantara Indonesia as part of a government effort to allow local firms to participate in defense procurements.
The H225Ms will be assigned to the air force’s Air Squadron 8 to take on special missions, including aerial fire support, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, and maritime surveillance.
The delivery is part of a 2019 agreement to augment the service’s existing fleet of six H225Ms.
Indonesian defense minister Prabowo Subianto and other officials during the hand-over of the country's new H225M helicopters. Photo" Indonesia MoDAbout the Helicopter
The H225M is a “combat-proven” military helicopter capable of operating from ships and land — even in icy conditions.
It has a range of 700 nautical miles (1,296 kilometers), which can be extended with in-flight refueling.
The rotary-wing aircraft also boasts reinforced structural mainframes and high energy-absorbing landing gear, ensuring its improved survivability.
Other notable features include advanced avionics, a modular design, and the new-generation Makila 2A1 turboshaft engine with “exceptionally low” vibration.
Full Flight Simulator
Apart from handing over the H225M helicopter, the ceremony marked the unveiling of a full flight simulator for the multi-role chopper.
According to the defense ministry, the H225 simulator built at Lanud ATS is the only Federal Aviation Administration-qualified flight simulator training device in Southeast Asia.
“I, along with the entire ranks, will fight hard to improve the conditions of [the Indonesian military]… Looking for good equipment and maintenance, in order to have a reliable, superior, resilient, and strong Air Force,” Prabowo said.
