Following Kazakhstan's order for two aircraft in September, Airbus Defence and Space's A400M airlifter programme received another boost on November 18 with the announcement of a two-plane order from Indonesia.

At the same time, the military ministry of the country submitted a Letter of Intent to purchase four more.

 

Indonesia will become the tenth country to purchase the A400M, and the second in Southeast Asia after Malaysia, when the contract takes effect next year.
A complete maintenance and training support package is included in the contract.
The aircraft will be delivered to the Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara (TNI-AU, Indonesian Air Force) in a multirole transport and tanker configuration, allowing the country to enhance its inflight refuelling capacity, which is now limited to a single ageing KC-130B Hercules.

 

In the aftermath of the magnitude 7.5 earthquake and following tsunami that rocked Sulawesi in 2018, an attempt to update and expand the TNI-transport AU's capability was launched.

The A400M was the first airlifter to land on Palu's damaged and short runway during the relief operation, bringing in crucial excavators, fuel trucks, food, clothing, and medical supplies.

The decision to purchase the aircraft for the country, which sits above the "Ring of Fire" tectonic plate barrier, was based on disaster assistance.

 

"The A400M is a true multi-role platform that will significantly improve the Indonesian Air Force's tactical air-to-air capabilities," says the company.
"This aircraft will play a vital role in other key operations, such as paratrooping and heavy cargo delivery," Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto stated.
"We're also looking at acquiring more A400Ms in the near future, with potential A400M developments like firefighting being a key capability we're studying with Airbus."
Beyond its tactical and air-to-air refuelling capabilities, the A400M will become a national asset and the cornerstone for humanitarian and disaster relief operations."

Ah, but will it inspire awe amongst the surrounding nations?