Indonesian Air Force Awaits Defence Ministry Decision on Purchasing Four A400M Aircraft

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU), Air Marshal TNI Mohamad Tonny Harjono, stated that the TNI AU is awaiting the Ministry of Defence’s (Kemhan) decision on plans to add four A400M transport aircraft units.

“As the user of the force, it 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 in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Thursday.

According to Tonny, his side is only responsible as the user or operator of every main weapon system procured by Kemhan.

Not only as users, the TNI AU also plays a role in maintenance, development, and building supporting infrastructure for military equipment.

In addition, the TNI AU is tasked with ensuring that the crew operating the military equipment receives proper and quality training.

For that reason, he reiterated that the TNI AU is ready if Kemhan decides to procure four A400M aircraft.

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

It is known that the TNI AU will have two new A400M units manufactured by Airbus in 2026. The government also plans to add A400M aircraft to support the TNI AU’s military and non-military operations.

“We are already active (in the contract for purchasing A400M aircraft) for two units. We have an option for four units. We might negotiate to sign (the purchase) for four more units. For now,” said President Prabowo Subianto when receiving the first A400M unit at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta in November 2025.

However, to date, Kemhan has not issued an official statement regarding the additional purchase of the A400M transport aircraft.