The Indonesian Air Force has placed an order for four H-145 helicopters as part of its training modernisation programme. The order was announced during the "Bali International Airshow" taking place this week (September 18-21).

Under the agreement between the Indonesian Air Force and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Airbus will deliver the five-bladed H-145s to PTDI, who will manage the reassembly and completion of the mission equipment and other customisation work at its facility in Bandung, Indonesia, for final delivery to the air force. These multi-mission aircraft will be deployed for military training and light search-and-rescue missions.

Airbus Helicopters and Indonesia have an enduring relationship of close to 50 years dating back to 1976 when PTDI first obtained a licence to produce the NBO-105 helicopter. PTDI became a key supplier of H-225’s rear fuselage and main airframe in 2008, with full production in place in Indonesia by 2011. The two companies expanded the industrial cooperation in 2017, to include support and services dedicated for the Indonesian military fleet of helicopters, and most recently deepened the collaboration to explore the development of aerostructure production for the manufacturer's helicopter platform, helicopter completions, and enhancing local maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities.
 
The latest version of H-145 adds an innovative five-bladed rotor to the multi-mission model, increasing the useful load of the helicopter by 150 kg. The simplicity of the new bearingless main rotor design eases maintenance operations, improves serviceability and reliability, and enhances flight comfort for both passengers and crew.

Worldwide there are more than 1,700 H-145 family units in service, with a total of more than 7.9 million flight hours. It is used to train military personnel by armed forces around the world, including the US Army, the UK Armed Forces and soon Germany.