Eurocopter and Indonesian company PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace signed
a contract for the supply of six EC725. With delivery scheduled for 2014, Indonesian
Aerospace will customize and deliver these combat search and rescue configured helicopters
to the Indonesian Air Force under a contract signed with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence
last month. The EC725 is a combat-proven multi-role helicopter in the 11-ton class and, was selected
by the Air Force in 2011 to meet its requirements for a Combat Search and Rescue capable
helicopter fleet. "The selection of the EC725 by the Air Force is a renewed demonstration of the confidence
that the Indonesian Air Force has in the Super Puma family of helicopters and enables
Eurocopter to further strengthen its long standing relationship with Indonesian Aerospace
relating to the Super Puma family," said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President
for Sales and Customer Relations. The EC725, a member of Eurocopter's successful Super Puma/Cougar family, will further
extend Indonesian Aerospace's involvement with the type. As well as building several
SA330 Puma and AS332 Super Puma under license in Bandung for the Air Force, Indonesian
Aerospace has held a contract with Eurocopter since 2008 for the manufacture of EC225 and
EC725 tail booms and complete airframe assemblies. "This contract for the EC725 will propel Indonesian Aerospace into a new era of co-operation
with Eurocopter, enhancing the company's capabilities at the forefront of rotorcraft
technology," stated Budi Santoso, President Director of Indonesian Aerospace. The twin-engine EC725/EC225 rotary-wing aircraft family features high-performance
navigation and mission systems, including a unique digital four-axis autopilot. Offering
excellent flight autonomy, this powerful machine is also great for tactical transport as it has
a large cabin with seating for 25 persons.