The eight Airbus helicopters were all assembled and equipped by the state-owned aircraft manufacturer, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI), and are currently officially strengthening the Air Squadron 8 Wing 4 at the Atang Sendjaja Air Base.
Apart from handing over the helicopters to Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff, Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, Subianto also inaugurated the Airbus H225M helicopters' full flight simulator at Atang Sendjaja Air Base.
"We still need more air support because our territory is very large and our soldiers are risking their lives to secure our nation. That is why, today, I am very proud to be among our soldiers, especially at Atang Sendjaja Air Base," he stated during the helicopter handover ceremony.
Subianto emphasized that his side is making all-out efforts to purchase the best main weapons system (alutsista) for the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), especially the Air Force, to strengthen Indonesia's combat readiness and air defense.
"The ministry will fight hard to improve your quality of life, improve the services you need, look for the best equipment, (and) the best maintenance, so we can have a reliable Air Force. We must have a strong and reliable air support," the minister remarked.
During the handover ceremony for the eight H225M helicopters, he directly led the inaugurating ceremony of dousing water and breaking a water jug onto one of the helicopter's nose.
Thereafter, along with Marshal Prasetyo and TNI Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Bambang Ismawan, Subianto inspected the helicopter and inaugurated the H225M helicopter simulator.
The Airbus' H225M helicopter is a multipurpose heavy lift helicopter that functions for special operations, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, maritime surveillance, and aerial fire support.
The helicopter, designed by Airbus Helicopters, is equipped with several advanced devices, including modular design, use of composite materials, advanced avionics, including multi-function display LCD, vehicle monitoring system, and automatic flight control system.
The helicopter also combines the new generation of Turbomeca MAKILA 2A1 generator that can be equipped with the HForce weapon system that supports all types of air operations scenarios.
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Translator: Genta Tenri M, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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