Air Force Chief Hands Over A400M Purchase Contract Issue to Defence Ministry

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono stated that the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is awaiting the decision from the Ministry of Defence (Kemenhan) regarding the plan to add four Airbus A400M aircraft units. This is outlined in the previous contract for the purchase of two A400M units with an option for an additional four units.

“As the user of its power is the TNI Commander. So I prepare it, the Commander uses it,” said Tonny during a press conference after the ceremony commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the TNI AU at the Air Force Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Thursday (9/4/2026).

According to Tonny, the TNI AU only serves as the user or operator of every main weapon system equipment (alutsista) purchased by Kemenhan. Not only as the user, he added, the TNI AU also holds a role in maintenance, development, and building supporting infrastructure for alutsista.

In addition, the TNI AU is tasked with ensuring that the operators of alutsista receive proper and quality training. For that reason, Tonny emphasised that the TNI AU is ready if Kemenhan proceeds to bring in the four A400M aircraft.

“So, the development of the A400M aircraft, we are waiting from Kemenhan according to our duties and functions, but the Air Force is preparing,” said Tonny.