Indonesia Tests Airbus H225M Helicopter

The Indonesian Defense Ministry reaffirmed its priority on air defense upgrades with the testing and inspection of the Airbus H225M helicopter in Jakarta on Monday, September 15.

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the Head of the Defense Logistics Agency Air Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) President Director Gita Amperiawan visited the helicopter in front of the National Monument (Monas). The helicopter is included in the 2014–2019 Blue Book program, made by cooperation between PT DI and Airbus Helicopter.

Minister Sjamsoeddin indicated that the H225M will have a dual function as both defense and humanitarian work. "This helicopter will be utilized later to guide the military operation control or humanitarian operation," he added. The aircraft can be used as a command and control platform, enabling commanders to control troops in the field and coordinate relief activities during emergencies.

The H225M helicopters are being introduced as part of Indonesia’s Strategic Plan (Renstra), established before Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto’s tenure. The Indonesian Air Force currently operates five similar helicopters, each 21 years old. The new units are intended to rejuvenate the fleet and strengthen operational readiness.

After inspection, a test flight was made by senior officials. Minister Sjamsoeddin indicated that modifications had to be made, especially to the interior design of the helicopter, seat and table installation, and command and control data presentation systems. He stressed the establishment of good communications links between the helicopter and ground headquarters.

Pilots attested that the performance of the helicopter was on a par with existing units in the field.

The H225M under test will be allocated to Air Squadron 8 in Atang Sanjaya Air Force Base, Bogor, with preferential deployment for special air operations. According to the Ministry of Defense, the event underlined Indonesia's dedication to developing air defense capabilities and assisting domestic defense industry through PT Dirgantara Indonesia.