Indonesian Air Force receives eight Airbus H225M helicopters.

On December 1, 2023, the Indonesian Air Force took delivery of a batch of eight Airbus H225M tactical transport helicopters. These helicopters were officially transferred to Air Force Chief of Staff (Kasau) Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo by the Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto at Atang Sendjaja Air Base in Bogor, West Java province, Indonesia.

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With this new batch of 8 units, the Indonesian Air Force will have a total fleet of 14 H225M helicopters (Picture source: Indonesian MoD)

These helicopters are the result of a collaborative effort between PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (PT. DI) and the French aerospace manufacturer Airbus Helicopters. They are expected to serve as a significant asset for the Indonesian Air Force, with a particular focus on strengthening Air Squadron 8 Air Wing 4 stationed at Atang Sendjaja Air Base.

In conjunction with the helicopter handover, Minister Prabowo Subianto also inaugurated an H225M flight simulator. This simulator, specifically designed for the H225M, allows pilots to conduct realistic training and simulations of the helicopter's control systems. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense, the Head of the TNI General, the Commander of the National Military Operations Command, Kabaranahan Kemhan, and other Ministry of Defense and TNI officials.

As of 2022, the Indonesian Air Force operates a diverse helicopter fleet to meet its operational requirements. In the heavy transport category, it includes six H225M helicopters primarily designated for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions. In the medium-weight category, there are 19 helicopters, including nine AS332 Super Pumas utilized for various roles, including VIP transport and CSAR missions, alongside one NAS332 C1+ Super Puma. The fleet also comprises a VIP-configured SA330SM Puma (NAS330SM), as well as four SA330J and four SA330L Puma helicopters. For lighter operations, the Indonesian Air Force has 12 H120 Colibri helicopters.

The Airbus Helicopters H225M, formerly known as the Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, is a tactical transport helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar. The twin-engined H225M helicopter can carry up to 28 troops and two crew members depending on configuration and is intended for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue missions. It shares similarities with the civilian EC225 Super Puma.

The development of the EC725 was initiated to fulfill the requirements of the French Air Force for a helicopter specialized in Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations. It included enhancements over the AS532 Cougar, such as more powerful engines, increased flight endurance, and improved durability for combat scenarios. The first prototype of the EC725 flew on November 27, 2000, and the first delivery to the French Air Force was in February 2005. A civilian variant, the EC225, was developed alongside the military-oriented EC725.

The H225M features a five-blade composite main rotor designed to reduce vibration. It is powered by two Turboméca Makila 1A4 turboshaft engines, which include a dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. The aircraft can be optionally equipped with an anti-icing system for operations in cold climates. The helicopter also incorporates a reinforced main rotor gearbox and a cockpit with an integrated display system, featuring a digital map and active-matrix liquid-crystal displays.

The armament options for the H225M are varied, allowing it to be equipped with machine guns, rocket launchers, torpedoes, and missile systems such as Hellfire missiles. Additionally, it can be fitted with countermeasures against radar and heat-guided missiles. The helicopter is available in different configurations, including troop transport, VIP transport, casualty evacuation, and Combat SAR, tailored to specific mission needs. The H225M is designed to perform a range of missions, including tactical transport, aeromedical transport, and maritime operations. Its specifications include a cruise speed of 262 km/h and a maximum range of up to 1,253 km with auxiliary fuel tanks.