At an Air Force Leadership meeting on Feb. 3rd, Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, revealed the delivery timeline for both the Airbus A400M transport aircraft and Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
Graphic: Airbus
The first A400M is scheduled to arrive in November, with delivery of the last aircraft expected in 2026. The aircraft will be assigned to 31st Air Squadron at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta. Upgrades to the base’s facilities and infrastructure, including the logistics warehouse, are underway. The Indonesian Air Force is also actively preparing software and personnel to support the new platform. The substantial size of the A400M is such that the Air Force is even considering a new, dedicated hangar.
Indonesia ordered two Airbus A400M aircraft, which are configured for multirole tanker and transport missions, in 2021. The A400M is designed to provide the Indonesian Air Force with the ability to respond rapidly to crises and deliver heavy loads into remote regions, while also providing crucial aerial refuelling capabilities. The aircraft’s ability to operate from short, rough runways, as demonstrated by a Royal Malaysian Air Force A400M during the 2018 Palu earthquake and tsunami, adds a critical dimension to its utility.
The first six Rafale jets are slated for delivery by 2026, with the first three expected around February or March, and the remaining three following three months later. The jets will be stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau. The Air Force has already constructed simulators, hangars, and improved in-flight facilities at the base. Additionally, personnel have been selected for a Rafale pilot candidate education program, and the necessary supporting software has been prepared.
Indonesia is procuring 42 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. The deal, finalised in three tranches, saw the final 18 units’ contract become effective in January 2024. This follows the initial procurement of six units in September 2022 and 18 more in August 2023.
For more information, hit the Source below