TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The latest military transport aircraft belonging to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in Jakarta on Monday morning, November 3, 2025. The Airbus A400M transport aircraft landed in Indonesia after a three-day journey from Seville, Spain.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto handed over the A-4001 aircraft to the TNI at Halim Airbase. The handover was carried out with a ceremonial flower-water blessing on the gray-colored aircraft's tires.
After the ceremony, Prabowo handed over the aircraft keys to TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto. Agus then handed the keys to the Air Force Chief of Staff, Marshal Tonny Harjono. The three of them then went into the aircraft to conduct an inspection.
Airbus A400M Aircraft to be Equipped with Air Ambulance and Forest Fire Handling Modules
Prabowo Subianto stated that the Airbus A400M transport aircraft will be equipped with air ambulance and forest fire handling modules. According to Prabowo, the presence of the Airbus A400M aircraft will enhance Indonesia's military strength.
"I have ordered the immediate procurement of air ambulance modules for the A400M. I have also instructed it to be equipped with tools to deal with forest fires," he said after handing over the aircraft to the TNI.
The head of state stated that the Indonesian government already has the C130 Hercules transport aircraft equipped with air ambulance containers. He also ordered the Airbus A400M aircraft to be equipped with air ambulance modules.
This former defense minister stated that the aircraft will enhance TNI's strength to assist the people, especially since TNI plays a significant role in assisting the community during disasters.
This aircraft will also enhance military strength in the air. According to Prabowo, Indonesia's territory is as large as Europe and has many islands. In such conditions, Prabowo considers air combat strength to be very important.
"The air is very decisive and very important for us. We are now building all TNI forces to be more effective, not only to guard the territory but also to secure and support national development," he said.
Prabowo Says Airbus A400M Aircraft Capable of Assisting Humanitarian Operations in Gaza
Prabowo also stated that the Airbus A400M transport aircraft is capable of assisting humanitarian operations in Gaza, Palestine. The aircraft can evacuate the injured and conduct medical operations.
"(Assisting humanitarian missions in Gaza) I think this is feasible, very feasible. But I think this will have a greater impact on evacuating the wounded who require surgery and so on," said Prabowo.
Furthermore, air ambulance operation modules are made for handling this. In addition, Prabowo ordered the TNI to add a health team battalion. "I instruct the TNI to add a health team battalion," said Prabowo.
Prabowo stated that the health team battalion will assist humanitarian operations abroad. He mentioned that other countries also provided substantial assistance when Indonesia experienced the Aceh tsunami in 2004 and the Palu tsunami in 2018. "Remember during the Aceh tsunami, many countries came to help. When we had problems in Central Sulawesi in Palu, many countries assisted us," he said.
Prabowo mentioned that Indonesia, as part of the world community, also needs to assist countries in difficult situations. He stated that Indonesia has also sent troops to assist in disaster management in other countries.
Procurement of 4 Airbus A400M Aircraft Units is in Negotiation
Prabowo Subianto revealed that the Indonesian government is in negotiations to purchase four units of the Airbus A400M transport aircraft. The Indonesian government currently has a contract for two units of the Airbus A400M aircraft. One unit is already owned by the TNI.
"We are currently utilizing two units. We already have the option for four units. We may negotiate to sign for another four units," said Prabowo.
During the Dubai Airshow 2021, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract to order two Airbus A400M aircraft in multirole tanker and transport configurations. The contract is effective as of 2022. On that occasion, the Ministry also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for the acquisition of four A400M in the future.
Getting to Know the New Indonesian Air Force Fleet Airbus A400M
The giant transport aircraft Airbus A400M was showcased at the Bali International Airshow (BIAS) 2024, at Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar, on September 18-21, 2024.
Ed Horne, a senior military advisor for air mobility and product marketing at Airbus, stated that the military aircraft has high capabilities and has been used by the UK, France, Belgium, and other major countries.
"This aircraft can land on sand, gravel, or grass runways, and it also has the ability to fly slower, allowing helicopters to catch up and refuel from this aircraft," said Ed Horne, in Badung Regency on Thursday, September 19, 2024, as reported by Antara.
Based on information gathered from various sources, the Airbus A400M aircraft has 12 wheels that can land on sand, gravel, or grass runways. The transport aircraft has the capacity to serve as a multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) for air-to-air refueling with combat aircraft.
With a carrying capacity of up to 37 tons, the aircraft is claimed to be capable of flying for 8 hours without refueling. The Airbus A400M aircraft is also said to be able to carry up to 116 personnel with complete combat-ready equipment. This military aircraft can also transport Patriot Launchers and Hemtt Trucks, 9 Military Pallets, and 54 personnel at once.
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