Airbus A400M aircraft (Photo: AFP/VNA) Accordingly, the contract, which will become effective in2022, includes a complete maintenance and training support package. A Letter ofIntent was also signed for Indonesia’s future acquisition of four additionalA400M aircraft.
This new order will further expand the A400M footprint inthe Asia-Pacific region. The A400M offers outstanding capabilities toIndonesia, providing its air force with the perfect platform to deliver largeand heavy loads into remote areas and multiplying its airpower projectionthanks to reliable aerial refuelling capabilities, Michael Schoellhorn,CEO of Airbus Defence and Space in a statement posted on the Airbus website.
Capable of operating from rough and short runways, the A400Mwill strengthen the Indonesian Air Force’s airlift capabilities to rapidlyrespond to any crisis, demonstrated in the aftermath of the earthquake andsubsequent tsunami that struck the country in 2018. The A400M was the firstlarge airlifter able to deliver heavy loads like fuel trucks and excavators aswell as food, clothes and medical supplies using a damaged and short runway inPalu (Central Sulawesi, Indonesia).
"The A400M is a truly multi-role platform and will greatlyenhance the Indonesian Air Force’s tactical air-to-air capabilities. Thisaircraft will play a key role in other key missions including paratrooping andheavy cargo transportation,” said Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defence of theRepublic of Indonesia, as quoted by Airbus' statement./.
VNA
