Defence Minister ensures PTDI’s defence equipment work is on schedule

Bandung (ANTARA) – Defence Minister General (Ret.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin inspected progress on repairs and upgrades to military equipment at PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), for both domestic and international clients, to ensure the work is being carried out properly and on time.

PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan said the minister’s inspection underscored PTDI’s vital role as a key pillar of Indonesia’s independent defence industry, particularly in supporting the ongoing provision, maintenance and modernisation of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) equipment.

PTDI said the minister inspected the modernisation of three CN235-100 aircraft belonging to the United Arab Emirates Air Force, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.

The work on the three aircraft includes a Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) and avionics upgrades to extend their operational life and modernise their navigation and flight systems. The aviation services export project demonstrates international recognition of Indonesia’s aerospace industry capabilities in high-level military equipment maintenance and modernisation.

In addition to overseas projects, Sjafrie closely monitored an upgrade to the mission system on an Indonesian Navy CN235-220 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), as well as production of a CN235-220 Military Transport aircraft (serial number N71) ordered by the Navy. The aircraft is expected to be completed in early 2027.

The inspection continued with a structural refurbishment and maintenance of two Indonesian Navy NC212-200 aircraft, as well as work on the modernisation programme for the Indonesian Air Force’s C-130 Hercules fleet.

The series of inspections of domestic and foreign military equipment concluded with a review of production-line readiness at the N219 Final Assembly Line hangar.

The minister’s visit to PTDI’s Fixed Wing Final Assembly Line hangar in Bandung took place on Tuesday (27 October). He was accompanied by Deputy Defence Minister for Logistics, Defence Industry and Technology Air Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, Defence Ministry Secretary-General Lieutenant General Gabriel Lema, and Defence Potential Director-General Rear Admiral Sri Yanto.

The delegation was received by PTDI President Director Gita Amperiawan, Deputy President Commissioner Air Marshal (Ret.) Bagus Puruhito, and Commissioner Yusron Ihza.