The Indonesian Ministry of Defence has placed an order for eight Airbus H225M SAR helicopters. Completion of the mission equipment outfitting and other customisation work will be handled by local plant PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia. These additional helicopters will join the air force’s existing fleet of six H225Ms to perform similar combat search and rescue missions.
“We welcome Indonesia’s selection of our H225M helicopters for their expanding fleet. The H225M is a combat-proven helicopter that is well regarded by military customers worldwide, and Indonesia’s additional order speaks strongly of their confidence in Airbus’ helicopters,” said Ben Bridge, Executive Vice President, Global Business of Airbus Helicopters. “Indonesia continues to play a vital role in Airbus Helicopters’ global industrial footprint. With a trusted partner in PTDI, we stand ready to support the availability of Indonesia’s fleet.”
Airbus Helicopters and Indonesia have an enduring relationship of over 40 years dating back to 1976 when PTDI first obtained a licence to produce the NBO-105 helicopter. Specifically on the H225, PTDI became a key supplier of the helicopter’s rear fuselage and main airframe in 2008, with full production in place in Indonesia by 2011. The two companies expanded the industrial co-operation in 2017, to include support and services dedicated for the Indonesian military fleet of helicopters.
The H225M is currently in service across the globe with 88 helicopters delivered to-date. It recently surpassed the 100,000 flight hour milestone, following its first delivery to the French Air Force in 2006. Since then the H225M has proven its reliability and durability in multiple combat environments and crisis areas.