These 12 rotorcraft from the Ecureuil/Fennec family will constitute an Indonesian Army light attack squadron. Based on Airbus Helicopters’ strategic industrial agreement with PT Dirgantara Indonesia, the mission equipment for the fleet - including machine guns and rocket launchers - will be installed by PT Dirgantara Indonesia at its in-country facilities in Bandung.
The Fennec helicopter – being the militarized version of Airbus Helicopters’ renowned Ecureuil rotorcraft family – has been performing combat, combat support, tracking, escort and training duties around the world, including Asia. This series of adaptable single- and twin-engine helicopters combines powerful light attack capabilities with highly cost-effective airframe and mission system solutions.
The Indonesian Army’s Fennec acquisition follows the Indonesian Air Force’s purchase of six EC725s in 2012. In the region, the Royal Thai Army also ordered a fleet of eight Fennecs for scouting missions in 2011.
Airbus Helicopters has also handed over the first of six EC725 rotorcraft acquired by Indonesia for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions. Present at Airbus Helicopters’ Marignane, France facility to accept the aircraft included members of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, the Indonesian Air Force, as well as PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI).
The 11-ton twin-engine helicopter will be delivered to the Air Force by mid-2015 after PTDI completes the mission equipment outfitting and customization at its Bandung, West Java facility.
When deployed by the Indonesian Air Force, the EC725 fleet will significantly enhance the military service’s CSAR capabilities, benefitting from the proven performance and durability of Airbus Helicopters’ latest member in its Super Puma helicopter family.
The mission equipment integration and completion of these six EC725 will mark a new step in Airbus Helicopters’ well-established cooperation with PTDI, which includes a strategic industrial agreement and the Indonesian company’s role in Airbus Helicopters’ global supply chain.
