(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The first Airbus A400M for the Indonesian Air Force has entered the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Seville, marking a significant milestone in the production of this multirole tanker and transport aircraft ahead of its delivery by the end of 2025.
During this phase of assembly, key production milestones have been completed, including the attachment of the Horizontal Tail Plane (HTP) to the Vertical Tail Plane (VTP) and the integration of the wings to the fuselage.
The aircraft, production number MSN148, will next undergo installation of its power plant and software, followed by a series of functional tests prior to its first engine run.
The second A400M for Indonesia – MSN150 – is also in production in the stages leading up to its arrival on the Final Assembly Line.
The Indonesia Ministry of Defence ordered two Airbus A400Ms in 2021.
The A400M’s arrival will significantly enhance the Indonesian Air Force’s operational flexibility, supporting strategic and tactical missions, humanitarian assistance, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling.
The A400M is capable of transporting up to 30 tonnes of payload, including helicopters and military vehicles, over 2,400 nautical miles, and operates on unpaved runways – crucial for disaster relief.
It also serves as a versatile refueling platform for various aircraft to ensure operational continuity.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA