Indonesian Military Acquires Four Airbus H145 Helicopters from Manufacturer
Indonesia's Air Force Modernizes Training Fleet with Airbus H145 Helicopters
The Indonesian Air Force has taken a significant step towards modernizing its rotary-wing training fleet by ordering four Airbus H145 helicopters. This move is part of the Air Force's broader efforts to upgrade its air defense and operational capabilities.
The H145, a modern, versatile light helicopter, is widely adopted for various public service roles due to its advanced avionics, high altitude capability, and efficient performance. The Indonesian Air Force's choice of the H145 aligns with global trends for military and parapublic training helicopter modernization in 2025.
The collaboration between Airbus and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), a leading Indonesian aerospace company, is expected to create new opportunities for the development of the national aerospace industry. PTDI will manage the reassembly and completion of the mission equipment and other customization work for the H145s at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia.
The H145 offers advanced technology and avionics that enhance pilot training quality and safety. Its versatility supports multiple mission types beyond training, such as search and rescue (SAR) and emergency medical services (EMS), potentially expanding Indonesian Air Force operational capabilities. The helicopter's operational efficiency, as a lightweight, cost-effective platform, allows for efficient training cycles and maintenance.
The order was announced during the Bali International Airshow, and the collaboration between Airbus and PTDI showcases PTDI's commitment to providing innovative and reliable solutions for national operational needs. The H145 helicopters will be deployed for military training and light search-and-rescue missions.
The H145 family is used for military training by armed forces around the world, including the US Army, the UK Armed Forces, and soon Germany. More than 1,700 H145 family helicopters are in service worldwide, with a total of more than 7.9 million flight hours.
Airbus Helicopters and PTDI have a long-standing relationship dating back to 1976. PTDI first obtained a license to produce the NBO-105 helicopter from Airbus Helicopters. In 2008, PTDI became a key supplier of Airbus H225's rear fuselage and main airframe. Full production of the Airbus H225 in Indonesia was established by 2011.
The industrial cooperation between Airbus Helicopters and PTDI expanded in 2017 to include support and services for the Indonesian military fleet of helicopters. Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia-Pacific, Airbus Helicopters, expressed confidence in the positive impact of the H145 on military pilot training and search-and-rescue operations. Gita Amperiawan, President Director, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, stated that the order strengthens the long-standing partnership between PTDI and Airbus.
The latest version of the Airbus H145 features an innovative five-bladed rotor, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The H145 is the quietest helicopter in its class and has the lowest CO2 emissions among its competitors.
This strategic move by the Indonesian Air Force to modernize its rotary-wing training fleet with the proven, modern platform of the H145 aligns with its overall air defense and operational upgrade programs.
The latest agency-PTDI collaboration to modernize Indonesia's rotary-wing training fleet includes the adoption of the advanced technology and avionics from the H145, a light helicopter widely used in the global aerospace industry and parapublic training. The H145 has potential applications beyond training, such as finance-focused emergency medical services and industry-wide search-and-rescue missions.
