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| President Prabowo Hands Over A400M Transport Aircraft to Indonesian Air Force. |
Star News INDONESIA, Monday, (03 November 2025). JAKARTA - Indonesia officially bolstered its air mobility and defence capabilities as President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, presided over the formal handover of the A400M Atlas strategic transport aircraft to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base on Monday.
The ceremony opened with the unveiling of Squadron 31’s emblem and the traditional breaking of a ceremonial water jar, a symbolic act marking new beginnings within the Air Force’s operational fleet.
The event concluded with President Prabowo handing over the aircraft’s symbolic key to the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), who then passed it on to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force (KSAU).
Acquired under a 2021 procurement contract, the Airbus A400M is designed to enhance Indonesia’s strategic airlift capacity.
The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 37 tonnes of cargo and can be configured for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, as well as Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) operations. These features make the A400M one of the most versatile aircraft in the TNI AU’s inventory.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the A400M will significantly improve Indonesia’s ability to conduct long-range logistics missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response operations across the archipelago.
The addition of this aircraft aligns with the government’s long-term vision to modernize Indonesia’s military capabilities and ensure rapid response capacity throughout the nation’s vast territory.
The handover marks a historic milestone for the Indonesian Air Force, as it integrates one of the world’s most advanced military transport aircraft into its fleet — symbolizing Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its national defence and regional security presence.
Editor : Maria Patricia
