Airbus Hands Over First EC725 Helicopter to Indonesia

Airbus Helicopters presented the first of six EC725 rotorcraft, acquired for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions, to Indonesia at the company’s Marignane, France facility on Nov. 6.

Members of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Indonesia Air Force, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) were present to accept the aircraft. PTDI will complete mission equipment outfitting and customization in the company’s West Java Facility in Bandung before the helicopter is delivered to the Indonesia Air Force by mid-2015, Airbus said in a statement.

“We are pleased to receive this first EC725 from Airbus Helicopters, which will allow us to complete it in the CSAR version to be handed over to the Indonesian Air Force,” Budi Santoso, President of PTDI, said.

“We will continue to work closely with Airbus Helicopters to ensure the on-time delivery of the remaining units, as we anticipate an additional order from the Air Force for 10 more EC725s to complete its squadron of 16 helicopters.”

Airbus Helicopters and PTDI’s business relationship includes a strategic industrial agreement and PTDI’s role in Airbus Helicopters’ global supply chain. PTDI has become a key supplier of tail booms and airframe assemblies of the EC225 and EC725 rotorcraft.

The EC725 began service in 2005 and has been chosen by France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It was used in conflict areas including Lebanon, Afghanistan, Mali, and in support of France’s NATO participation in Libya.

EC725 missions include combat search and rescue, special operations, tactical transport, medical evacuation and a range of maritime roles, Airbus noted.

The Indonesia Air Force has operated the AS332 Super Puma and SA330 Puma rotorcraft for over 30 years. Those rotorcraft were license-produced by PTDI.

“Airbus Helicopters’ cooperation with PT Dirgantara Indonesia is exemplary,” Philippe Monteux, Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus Helicopters, said in a statement. “Our delivery of the first EC725, with significant parts being first built by PTDI, underscores how our partnership continues to evolve, meeting Indonesia’s helicopter needs and further contributing to the progress of its aerospace sector.”