By Adrian Leclerc | Aviation Correspondent
JAKARTA, Indonesia — President Prabowo Subianto announced Monday that Indonesia is considering the acquisition of four additional Airbus A400M military transport aircraft, as part of an ambitious effort to modernize the nation’s air capabilities and enhance its humanitarian response capacity.
Speaking at a military airbase in Jakarta, where Indonesia’s first A400M officially joined the fleet, President Prabowo said discussions are underway for a potential follow-on order. “We might negotiate to sign for four more units,” he told reporters, without specifying a timeline.
Indonesia initially signed a 2021 contract for two A400M aircraft configured for multi-role operations, including airlift, aerial refueling, and humanitarian support. The second aircraft is expected to be delivered next year.
President Prabowo emphasized that the A400M will play a central role in both domestic and international humanitarian efforts. “This aircraft will be used to evacuate victims of disasters and to support missions abroad—such as humanitarian relief in Gaza,” he said, adding that Indonesia plans to increase the number of military medical battalions to strengthen such operations.
Built by Airbus Defence and Space, the A400M is capable of carrying up to 37 tonnes of payload—including vehicles, helicopters, and relief supplies. With an average mission load of 30 tonnes, it can travel approximately 2,400 nautical miles, allowing full coverage of Indonesia’s vast archipelago from the capital, Jakarta.
The aircraft’s adaptability also extends to aerial firefighting, as it can be converted into a water bomber capable of dropping up to 20,000 liters of water or fire retardant in a single pass—an especially valuable asset in a country frequently affected by forest fires.
Prabowo, a former general and now president, has pledged to overhaul Indonesia’s aging military hardware. In line with that vision, Indonesia signed a deal in July with Turkey to purchase 48 Kaan fighter jets, signaling a broad modernization push across all branches of the armed forces.
