In an Instagram post, Wijaya stated that President Prabowo Subianto ordered two of the European-made transport planes during his tenure as defense minister under the administration of President Joko Widodo.
"One of the planes has arrived in Indonesia, while the second unit will land here in February next year," he noted in a written statement cited in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He highlighted that President Prabowo handed over the first A400M aircraft, bearing tail number A-4001, to Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Monday (November 3).
Wijaya expressed confidence that the aircraft, stationed with the 31st Heavy Transport Squadron, will significantly strengthen the TNI’s defense operations as well as its disaster response and humanitarian missions.
"With its multirole capabilities, this aircraft is expected not only to boost the Air Force's readiness to meet strategic challenges but also to enhance Indonesia's capacity in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the region," he remarked.
He further elaborated that the A400M is capable of air-to-air refueling and is equipped with firefighting tools, 66 medical stretchers, and a range of health equipment.
The aircraft can carry over 100 passengers and 37 tons of cargo—twice the payload of the Hercules aircraft—and is capable of flying for 11 hours without refueling, covering 3,300 kilometers with a maximum payload and 8,900 kilometers with no payload.
At Monday’s handover ceremony, President Prabowo said the newly arrived A400M would bolster Indonesia’s air defense capabilities and operational readiness. He also revealed plans to potentially expand the fleet.
"We have active contracts for two A400M aircraft, with options for four more. We may negotiate to sign the purchase of four additional units," Prabowo told reporters at the air base.
The Defense Ministry signed the contract for two A400Ms in 2021 during the Dubai Airshow, along with a letter of intent for four more units.
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Translator: Mentari D, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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