Compromise Behind Purchase of Airbus A400M

The Indonesian government ordered two giant transport aircrafts Airbus A400M produced by French planemaker Airbus Defense and Space, for the Indonesian National Army Air Force. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said this aircraft would play a key role in combat support missions such as parachuting, heavy cargo transportation, and social needs. "In addition to tactical capabilities, the A400M will become a national asset and play an important role in disaster relief and response missions," Prabowo said on Thursday.

Michael Schoellhorn, Chief Executive of Airbus Defense and Space, said Indonesia's order expands the Airbus 400M's reach in the Asia-Pacific region. "The A400M offers extraordinary capabilities, with the perfect platform for delivering large, heavy payloads to remote areas and multiplying air power projection," Schoellhorn said.