11 October 2021

Amid funding challenges, Indonesia eyes A400M for aerial tanker requirements

by Ridzwan Rahmat

A Royal Malaysian Air Force A400M aircraft in Langkawi. Indonesia is now considering if the aircraft type is suitable for its aerial tanker and military lift requirements. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enhance its military airlift capabilities, however, it is now in talks to decide if the airframe can also fulfil its air force's in-flight refuelling requirements.

Documents forwarded to Janes reveal that the matter was discussed at a virtual meeting between the Indonesian Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) Directorate General for Defence Potential (DDP) and representatives from Airbus Indonesia on 1 October.

Also present during the meeting were officials from state-owned defence electronics company PT Len, Bandung-based aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), aircraft maintenance company PT GMF AeroAsia, and directors overseeing offset matters at the DDP's office.

As reported by Janes in June 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance (MoF) has granted approval for the country to obtain up to USD700 million in foreign loans to procure two aerial tankers for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).

And given outstanding requirements from the TNI-AU for more military airlift platforms, the A400M has been proposed as a suitable aircraft type by Airbus Indonesia given its ability to undertake both roles, Janes was informed by the source that forwarded the meeting documents.

Indonesia's interest in the A400M was first articulated in 2016 by then defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu. In 2017, the MoF approved budget of up to USD2 billion for a fleet of five aircraft. However, the funds were never allocated in the country's national budget in the subsequent years and the programme has been in limbo since.

Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enhance its military ai...

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