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.
About 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.
