Jakarta. Indonesia plans to purchase four additional Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to boost the airlift capacity of the Indonesian Air Force, President Prabowo Subianto announced on Monday.

The government has already ordered two A400M aircraft, one of which arrived in Jakarta earlier the same day. The second unit is expected to be delivered in 2026, Prabowo said during a ceremony marking the aircraft’s induction into service at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta.

“We have already bought two units, and there’s an option for four more. We are now in negotiations to sign the purchase of these additional aircraft,” Prabowo said.

He explained that the addition of the A400M Atlas will significantly enhance Indonesia’s military transport capabilities, complementing the country’s existing fleet of Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft. Given Indonesia’s vast archipelagic geography, the new aircraft will play a vital role in both military operations and humanitarian missions.

“This aircraft is crucial for humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts, both domestically and abroad,” Prabowo said.

The president also directed the Air Force to strengthen its logistical and medical response capacity alongside the new aircraft acquisition.

“I have ordered the formation of additional medical battalions so that they can not only respond to disasters at home but also assist other countries in times of humanitarian crises,” he said.

The delivery stems from a defense contract signed in 2021 at the Dubai Airshow between Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense and Airbus Defence and Space for two A400M aircraft in multirole tanker and transport configuration. The deal, effective since 2022, includes maintenance, training, and technical support packages for flight and ground crews.

The Airbus A400M is a next-generation multifunctional airlifter capable of performing both tactical and strategic missions. It can deliver troops and equipment to remote or unpaved airstrips and transport heavy cargo -- including fuel trucks, excavators, or armored vehicles -- with a payload capacity of up to 37 tons.

The aircraft can carry up to 116 fully equipped troops, or nine military pallets and 54 passengers simultaneously, making it highly versatile for both humanitarian relief operations and combat support missions.

The planned expansion of the A400M fleet reflects Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and enhancing its readiness for regional and international operations.

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