Indonesian Navy Stalks AS565 Panther Deal

JAKARTA-(IDB) : The Indonesian navy is in negotiations with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) for the acquisition of between 11-16 Airbus Military AS565 Panther anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

“I can confirm we are talking to the Indonesian government about the Panther, but the numbers are in limbo,” says PTDI vice president of marketing and sales Arie Wibowo.

He says the services requires a minimum of 11 aircraft, but could obtain as many as 16.

Wibowo adds that the contract could be signed by the end of 2014. Deliveries will commence 12 months after the deal is signed, and be completed within two years – although this could vary depending on the mission package to be used aboard the aircraft.

If a contract is signed, PTDI will receive green aircraft from Airbus Helicopters, and then be responsible for installing the aircraft’s various mission systems at its Bandung facility. Wibowo says the amount of local content provided by the AS565 helped it defeat the other helicopter considered - the AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300.

The AS565 can operate from both warships and land bases, according to Airbus Helicopters’ web site.

PTDI and Airbus Helicopter have a deep relationship. Since 2008 PTDI has produced airframes for the AS332 Super Puma helicopter at its Bandung factory. In the last three decades, PTDI has undertaken licensed production of the BO105 light helicopter, and Puma SA330 transport helicopter.

In November 2013, PTDI delivered Airbus Helicopter (then called Eurocopter) the first Indonesian-produced complete main fuselage for the EC225/725 helicopter.

Source : FlightGlobal