Indonesian Aero News

[Ananda]

Turkey May Join KFX ?

From Turkish Huriyet Dailly News:

Keen to bolster the capabilities of its Air Force, Turkey is interested in developing a new fighter aircraft with South Korea and Indonesia, senior Turkish and South Korean officials have said.

"There have been some preliminary talks about our possible participation in the KF-X program," a senior Turkish procurement official told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review over the weekend. "We are investigating the feasibility and possibilities of this program."

Maj. Gen. Choi Cha-kyu, director general of South Korea's aircraft program bureau at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, said in September that Ankara was seriously considering taking part in the KF-X program.

"There will be a requirement [in Turkey] to replace the older fighters with newer ones by 2020," the daily Korea Times quoted Choi as saying at the time. "Once on board, Turkey is expected to bear the same amount of development costs as Indonesia."

The KF-X is a mainly South Korean program to develop an advanced multi-role fighter for the Air Forces of South Korea and Indonesia. It originally was launched in 2001, but then postponed because of financial and technological difficulties. The program will start again next year with the consent of budget authorities.

South Korea will provide 60 percent of the KF-X development costs worth some $4.2 billion, with the rest to come from other governments or corporate partners. About 120 KF-Xs would be built initially and more than 130 aircraft would be produced additionally after the first-phase models reach operational capability.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-July, Indonesia agreed to pay 20 percent of the bill and to buy about 50 KF-X planes when mass production begins.

South Korea also is seeking to receive technology transfers from Western aerospace firms. One possible corporate partner is Sweden’s Saab.

Other options

Turkey already has selected the U.S.-led F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Lightning II as its next-generation fighter aircraft type. It plans to buy about 100 F-35 aircraft worth nearly $15 billion. Many Turkish companies are members of the nine-nation Joint Strike Fighter consortium of nine Western nations, and are producing parts for the aircraft.

Lockheed Martin, the U.S. company leading the Joint Strike Fighter program, wants Turkey to increase the number of F-35 planes it plans to buy to 120 from 100. Turkey also will receive 30 F-16 Block 50 fighters from Lockheed as a stop-gap solution until F-35 deliveries begin around 2015.

But Turkish officials have said they are open to participating in one more future international fighter aircraft program.

Turkey also is facing pressure from Italy, a close defense partner, to buy the Eurofighter Typhoon, made by a European consortium including companies from Italy, Britain, Germany and Spain.

Giovanni Bertolone, executive vice president for operations at Finmeccanica, a top Italian industrial conglomerate, in early December called on Turkey to jointly produce the next phase of the Eurofighter. Finmeccanica is the parent company of Alenia Aeronautica, one of the makers of the Eurofighter.

Bertolone said the F-35 and the Eurofighter had different functions, and that Turkey could accommodate both fighters. The Eurofighter has been designed mainly as an air-to-air fighter while the F-35 is more suitable for air-to-ground missions.

In the event Turkey decides to buy the Eurofighter, these aircraft would replace the older U.S.-made F-4E Phantoms, recently modernized by Israel.

"We're encouraging Turkey to follow the examples of Britain and Italy, which will have both aircraft," Bertolone said. "Air-to-air fight capability is important, and we think this situation will gain prominence."

Many analysts believe that the planned South Korean-led KF-X also would be suitable for air-to-air fighting.

This being talked before especially from South Korean and Indonesia sources. However this the beginning from Turkish sources that stated they also begin to be serious with the possibility join KFX.

 

[Ananda]

Unintentional Leak ?

From TNI AU Sites (with Google Translate):

MADIUN - TNI AU Chief Marshal TNI Imam Sufaat S.IP., accompanied Wakasau Marshal TNI Associate Sukirno KS, inaugurated the training facilities, Air Combat Manouvering Instrumentation (ACMI) in Lanud Iswahjudi, Monday (13/12).

In the opening of ACMI training facilities that cater specifically for these rafters fighter pilot said that, ACMI was established at the air base at the air base Iswahjudi because there are three types of fighter aircraft, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-5/Tiger and Hawk MK-53.

Facilities ACMI training is also intended to prepare the arrival of new defense equipment both T-50 Golden Eagle as a substitute for Hawk MK-53 aircraft and 24 aircraft F-16 Fighting Falcons from the United States.

With the facility is expected to increase the professionalism of pilots, technicians and workers PLLU enable the creation of zero accident. Mainly the fighter pilots in the air base will be increasingly targeted Iswahjudi in improving air combat capability. By ACMI, a fighter pilot will be able to monitor the implementation of practice flying in various formations

In This occasions, seems the Air Force Chief already stated that KAI T-50 is the winner for LIFT Replacements, and Indonesia will goes on with option on getting 24 used F-16 (rather than 6-8 brand new Block 52).

Honestly with KAI and DI already tied in on marketing agreement for Cn 235 and T-50, and several occasional slip-up like this, I'll be surprises if the result on LIFT replacement is not KAI T-50. Well it will be the First Export deal for KAI T-50 Golden Eagle.

 

[icecoolben]

Just curious how much does Indonesia expect the KFX to cost per unit aircraft?

We know its going to be F-16 class, thus would be $ 75 million at least, why did they not evaluate Jas -39 Gripen at $ 40 mil, Hal tejas at $ 30 mil and J-10 at $ 25 mil a piece

 

[Ananda]

Just curious how much does Indonesia expect the KFX to cost per unit aircraft?

We know its going to be F-16 class, thus would be $ 75 million at least, why did they not evaluate Jas -39 Gripen at $ 40 mil, Hal tejas at $ 30 mil and J-10 at $ 25 mil a piece

Initial studies by KAI show around USD 40 mio - USD 50 mio . KAI and DI/IAe will finalise their studies by end 2011 or early 2012 (before initial building of prototype schedulled by 2012). KAI and DI sources says that as manufacturer South Korea and Indonesia can be expected to pay up to USD 60 mio (current value) per aircraft by the time production start on 2020. That's why the Indonesian shares in the projects (Indonesia is expected to take 50 aircraft) calculated between USD 2 bio - USD 3 bio (on current value). The prices for non Manufacturer Partners (ROK, Indonesia or Turkey if they decided to join) can be 10% to 15% higher.

Again that's still initial studies, however both KAI and DI confident they can manufacture 4.5 gen aircraft with the cost still very competitive compared to similiar 4.5 gen aircraft produces by European, Russian,and US.

Why we don't go with J-10, Tejas, or Grippen ? well because with KFX South Korea agree to make us Join Manufacturer partner with full access to all system. DI will be active Partner in manufacturing and marketing.As a stop gap until 2020, Indonesian goverment seems inclined to get additional second hand but upgraded (MLU) F-16 from US.

 

[Ananda]

N 219

From Kompas Newspaper with Google Translate:

Jakarta, Kompas - PT Dirgantara Indonesia develop a capacity of 19 passenger commuter plane adapted to the geographical condition of Indonesia. The aircraft is expected to replace current 'bush-flyer' aircraft largely been aged over 20 years.

President Director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (DI), Budi Santoso, after receiving the results of aerodynamic testing of aircraft N219 from Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) in Jakarta, Tuesday (28/12), said the plane could land on grassy runway with a length of just 600 meters .Therefore, this plane can land on a narrow plain between the mountains, such as in Papua or in small islands.

Compared to similar aircraft, N219 has a greater haulage capacity and more fuel. In addition to transport passengers, the plane can also be used for cargo transport, disaster relief, medical evacuation, maritime and border patrols, up to military purposes.

"If the aircraft is finished, will become the most sophisticated aircraft in its class since the last design for similar aircraft is being prepared in the 1950-60s," he said.

Head of BPPT Marzan Aziz Iskandar said the need for this aircraft for the next 20 years reached 97 aircraft and 105 civilian version of a special version of the aircraft. Besides Indonesia, the aircraft market is also wide open to a number of countries in Asia Pacific and Africa.

Chief Sub-Directorate of Air Transport National Development Planning Agency Bastian said, 62 percent or 34 units with a capacity of 9-20 passenger plane in Indonesia at this time was already more than 20 years. The numbers also continued to decline since 2005.

Nevertheless, those small and ancient planes remains a mainstay of aviation pioneers in Indonesia. Therefore, increase the urgency for N219 production.

However, PT DI is still difficulty in financing the production of this aircraft. According to the Director Aerostruktur PT DI Andi Alisjahbana, a number of areas/provinces/municipalities have been interested in buying a N219. However, they can not buy in cash and opted for credit due to limited funds. Support from the national banking system is still difficult. "To create a package of 25 units of aircraft N219 is required only Rp 1 trillion," he said.

If the funding issues can be solved, this aircraft will begin production in 2013 and began to market a year later

This move by DI to campaign for N 219 is definetely a shift from 90's DI (under Habibie) which aimed for more prestigious projects like N 250 turboprop commuters and N 2130 mid range jets. Those projects being halted due to IMF insistances when they have to bail out Indonesia on the end of 90's Asian Economic crisis.

Current gov't support for DI seems more to Military Products (CN 235, Bell 412, Eurocopter Super Puma/Cougar, and KFX), however the support seems still low for DI civilian projects.
This N 219 can be a different since this aim to rural/bush flyer transportations. Commercially this aim to replace the Canadian build Twin Otter, which in turn is more commercialy viable rather than financing N 2130 with target market directly facing the kind of A 320 and Boeing 737 NG.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

From Kompas Newspaper with Google Translate:



This move by DI to campaign for N 219 is definetely a shift from 90's DI (under Habibie) which aimed for more prestigious projects like N 250 turboprop commuters and N 2130 mid range jets. Those projects being halted due to IMF insistances when they have to bail out Indonesia on the end of 90's Asian Economic crisis.

Current gov't support for DI seems more to Military Products (CN 235, Bell 412, Eurocopter Super Puma/Cougar, and KFX), however the support seems still low for DI civilian projects.
This N 219 can be a different since this aim to rural/bush flyer transportations. Commercially this aim to replace the Canadian build Twin Otter, which in turn is more commercialy viable rather than financing N 2130 with target market directly facing the kind of A 320 and Boeing 737 NG.

Yes, our government must give IPTN financial support. Not only for the civil market to replace the old twin otters and other aircrafts, but also to replace the retired N22s from the Navy.

 

[Ananda]

Yes, our government must give IPTN financial support. Not only for the civil market to replace the old twin otters and other aircrafts, but also to replace the retired N22s from the Navy.

TNI AL N 22 Nomad suppose to be replace by C-212 MP. With 3 tons payload C-212 will provide better platform for Marine Patrol than N 219 (at least on the paper performances).

 

[Bastian]

TNI AL N 22 Nomad suppose to be replace by C-212 MP. With 3 tons payload C-212 will provide better platform for Marine Patrol than N 219 (at least on the paper performances).

most of the indonesian military equipment were over age and some of it didn't worked properly, i doubt most of the plane can fly safely.

 

[Ananda]

most of the indonesian military equipment were over age and some of it didn't worked properly, i doubt most of the plane can fly safely.

C 212 MP are brand new plane. While for N 22 Nomad actually most of them already grounded due to reliability reasons.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

TNI AL N 22 Nomad suppose to be replace by C-212 MP. With 3 tons payload C-212 will provide better platform for Marine Patrol than N 219 (at least on the paper performances).

Yes, the NC212-200MPA is a more capable platform, but i expect the N219 will be cheaper than the NC212, lighter and without rampdoor, which make it a ideal replacement for the GAF N22. The N22 was equipped with a light radar, it has to be possible to install such light radar on the N219.

 

[Ananda]

Yes, the NC212-200MPA is a more capable platform, but i expect the N219 will be cheaper than the NC212, lighter and without rampdoor, which make it a ideal replacement for the GAF N22. The N22 was equipped with a light radar, it has to be possible to install such light radar on the N219.

Agree on that principle. However the C 212 MP is not an expensive platform to begin with, DI already have exclusive rights on the plane, and in theory the cost for C 212 and N 219 will not differ much. With bigger payload, the C 212 can take more capable sensors. It's already provide low end MP versions, I don't think we need to go lower than that. Unless the quantity we looking anyway.

Besides N 219 is build to replace Canadian De Haviland Twin Otter, and specialise for very short runways in the interior of Papua, Sulawesi, Kalimantan and Molacass islands. It's not build for patrolling duties. It can do that, but I guess with less capabilities than it's design for.

 

[Ananda]

More N 219

Some pictures on N 219 model, cutaway, and interior spaces, from various sources. Just to show, even though 'theoritically' it can be used for patrolling duties, but the plane is developed for 'basic' need on transportations.

 

[Ananda]

C-130 B Retrofit

From : http//www.arinc.com

Annapolis, Maryland—ARINC Engineering Services, LLC today announced it has won a $63.7 million (USD) contract to modernize five C-130B transport aircraft of the Indonesian Air Force. ARINC won the work in December in competitive bidding.

The program includes structural and electronic modifications to retrofit the 30-year-old C-130B airframes with more recent capability and technology. The work will be performed by ARINC and selected subcontractors on site at customer facilities in Indonesia. Work will begin in Q1 of 2011 and is expected to take from 32 to 36 months. ARINC’s customer is the Indonesian Air Force.

This is the second contract ARINC has received recently for work on aircraft of the Indonesian Air Force. In July 2010, the company received a U.S. Air Force Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract to perform Programmed Depot Maintenance on a C-130H transport used by Indonesia for disaster relief and humanitarian aid. That aircraft is currently being serviced at ARINC’s aircraft modification facility in Oklahoma City.

"ARINC is delighted to start this vital work very soon, to help the Indonesian government modernize their C-130B fleet for humanitarian purposes," said Michael Young, ARINC Vice President, Aerospace Systems Engineering & Support. “We look forward to playing a key role in enhancing the airlift capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force, and in helping them to meet their overall operational and mission goals.”

“This contract award demonstrates ARINC’s range of capabilities, as well as our determination to be a leader in military aircraft support,” said Rob Moore, ARINC Aerospace Systems Senior Business Development Director. “ARINC has dedicated some 18 months to bringing this project to fruition.”

ARINC Incorporated, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, provides communications, engineering and integration solutions for commercial, defense and government customers worldwide. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland with regional headquarters in London and Singapore, ARINC is ISO 9001:2008 certified.

This move clear up the fate of Indonesian Air Force 9 strong C-130B fleet which made up around 40% of overall TNI-AU Hercs fleet.
Four of them already have retrofit in Singapore and Locally, whille this news clear up the fate of the rest C-130B. Before it's being circulated that the Government try to acquired used C-130 E/H from various sources with US, Norway, and Australia being stated as possible sources to replaced those C-130B that comming from 60's era.

 

[Ananda]

DI Light Attack Helicopter will come to Fruition ?

From Xinhua Indonesia to develop light attack helicopter, military co-op with S Korea

JAKARTA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's plane company PT Dirgantara Indonesia will develop a light attack helicopter and military cooperation with South Korea, a top executive said here on Thursday.

"We are in cooperation with the Indonesian Army to develop a light attack helicopter that could be used to confront separatist and smugglers," said Budi Santoso, president director of PT Dirgantara Indonesia in a parliamentary hearing. He said that characteristic of the helicopter is different from MI35 that is designed for opened battle in which noise is not important. "The most important element of the light attack helicopter is its low noise while flying. We don't need helicopters like MI35 that its noise could be heard from a distance of 10 kilometers," Santoso said.

He also said that the Defense Ministry and its South Korean counterpart are developing a program named the Korean Fighter Program (KFP). "This is our opportunity to upgrade our skill and to grow new expertise, mainly in engineering," he said.

According to Santoso, general lifetime of a plane is about 20- 30 years.

"However, during the lifetime, we need maybe twice or three times of upgrade on weaponry and avionic system. If we have the expertise, we could upgrade it according to our needs," he said

Seems the Bumblebee concept that being put by DI on the last Indodefence will become based for future DI's Light Attack Helicopter (LAH). According to DI's people in Indodefence, they're certain with the capability of DI to developed since the LAH will be based to NBO-105 that they already familliar with.

Some in the indonesian forum argue that DI will going with South Korea on developing LAH (using Korean KAH concept). However so far Indonesia seems only working with South Korean on KFX (or KFP they call now).

Personally I think DI has to be carefull on doing their business. Their financial possition are not strong enough yet. They're doing a lot of sub system/component order with EADS, Boeing, Eurocopter, Airbus, however they begin to overstrech themselves by plan to build N-219 small commuter and Light Amphibious plane with Dornier, then they also want KFX, now the want to build LAH. They have technicall capabilities, however I have huge doubt on their Business capability.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

From Xinhua Indonesia to develop light attack helicopter, military co-op with S Korea



Seems the Bumblebee concept that being put by DI on the last Indodefence will become based for future DI's Light Attack Helicopter (LAH). According to DI's people in Indodefence, they're certain with the capability of DI to developed since the LAH will be based to NBO-105 that they already familliar with.

Some in the indonesian forum argue that DI will going with South Korea on developing LAH (using Korean KAH concept). However so far Indonesia seems only working with South Korean on KFX (or KFP they call now).

Personally I think DI has to be carefull on doing their business. Their financial possition are not strong enough yet. They're doing a lot of sub system/component order with EADS, Boeing, Eurocopter, Airbus, however they begin to overstrech themselves by plan to build N-219 small commuter and Light Amphibious plane with Dornier, then they also want KFX, now the want to build LAH. They have technicall capabilities, however I have huge doubt on their Business capability.

Maybe in the end nothing of this four projects become reality....because they want too much, but there isn't a sufficient financial fundament. For example i have read in Indonesian forums and Indonesian sites that DHC wants to produce the DHC-6 Twin Otter in Indonesia, that will be the end of N219

 

[Ananda]

Maybe in the end nothing of this four projects become reality....because they want too much, but there isn't a sufficient financial fundament. For example i have read in Indonesian forums and Indonesian sites that DHC wants to produce the DHC-6 Twin Otter in Indonesia, that will be the end of N219

For some of the projects, like Bell Helicopters, The Plan Cougars as follow on of Super Puma, and even KFX it's all depend on the availability of Government defense budgets, because basically those are Miltary projects.

But for their indigenous projects like N-219, License plan with Dornier for amphibious plane, plan for CN 235 NG, this LAH, etc, is the thing I'm worried about. It's actually plan for business, thus they supposed to provide DI cash cow in the future.
Talking to people in State Company Ministry (Meneg BUMN), they stated that DI have good technological people and engineers but very poor business execution.

That's the problem that DI people have since the time of Habibie. They think of the projects, but how to source and executed them on business sense, it's still very poor. Continuing this path DI will only be 'large airplane manufacturing, maintances and support facilities' and not eventually evolve in to proper aircraft industry. Ooo it will have the manufacturing capabilities, but only working on license or sub contract to someone else project and design.

Even on that path DI will always relly on Government subsidies and contracts, since that's the only thing they can do, unless they developed proper business capabilities and manage their own resources efficiently.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

TNI Accepts F-16 Grants from US
Editor: Jimmy Hitipeuw
Selasa, 15 Februari 2011 | 07:16 WIB


JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) has accepted the US offer to grant two squadrons of F-16A/B Fighting Falcons. TNI commander Admiral Agus Suhartono said the process of agreement had been conveyed to the ministry of defense and confirmation was now being waited from the US.

"The process is still going on. It has been followed up by the ministry of defense and we are now waiting for confirmation from the US regarding Indonesia’s decision to accept the offer," he said.

complete article: Indonesia to accept US fighter plane grant | The Jakarta Post

 

[Ananda]

Seems my prediction (on November) on TNI-AU Orbat on near future (up untill 2014) will come to fruition:

2 sq F-16 (10 existing + 24 used replacing F-5) MLU
1 sq Flankers (10 existing + 6 new order) possible 8 Su-30 Mk2 + 8 Su-27 Mk2
2 sq Hawk 100/200 ( 26 Hawk 209 + 8 Hawk 109 as latest Inventory)
1 sq Super Tucano ( 8 confirmed order + 8 option) replacing OV-10
1 sq LIFT ( 16 as target) replacing Hawk Mk 53

This answered the replacement for F-5 (in which perhaps only 4 that still fully operational capable). How extensive the MLU will be need to found out more. But for me it's sensible move as stop gap until the plan KFX come to fruition. Before the US offered those 24 used F-16. TNI AU planned to get 6-8 new F-16 block 52 and MLU existing 10 F-16. whille at same time they still have to find budget for F-5 replacement.

Now, the Min-def already confirmed the budget for refurbishing (MLU) this grant 24 F-16 comes from the budget of 'then' 6-8 F-16 Block 52, whille they already set seperate budget for 6 new flankers, and MLU of existing 10 F-16.

Now only decided which LIFT going to win, Yak 10 or T-50.

 

[Ananda]

Korea Industrail espionage ?

From South Korean Chosunilbo :The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition): Daily News from Korea - NIS Behind Break-In at Indonesian Delegation

Three intruders who broke into the room of Indonesian presidential envoys at Seoul's Lotte Hotel on the morning of Feb. 16 were agents from the National Intelligence Service, it has emerged. A high-ranking government official said the NIS "tried to find out the negotiation strategy of the Indonesian delegation in pursuit of the national interest. It was an unintended consequence that they were caught."

Soon after some 50 Indonesian officials including Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa left for Cheong Wa Dae to meet President Lee Myung-bak, two men and a women broke into the room on the 19th floor of the Lotte Hotel, but they were surprised by one of the Indonesian officials while they were looking into laptops there and fled. It is uncertain whether the agents copied data from the laptop.

The NIS agents were apparently desperate to obtain Indonesia's negotiation strategy for the purchase of Korea's T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainer jet, K2 Black Panther main battle tank, and portable surface-to-air missile. Korea is in fierce competition with Russia's Yak-130 trainer jet.

The government has been working hard to win an export deal after negotiations with the United Arab Emirates and Singapore faltered. One T-50 is priced at US$25 million, and the government aims to export 1,000 by 2030.

A government official said, "It seems that NIS took way too much risk due to this obsession with the export of the T-50." An intelligence official claimed it is "an open secret" that intelligence agencies of every country are engaged in a highly sophisticated battle for intelligence. "After the intrusion was reported in the media, the NIS exerted a great deal of effort through many channels to smooth over the situation," he added.

Police said earlier that due to the low resolution of the CCTV at the Lotte Hotel, they were unable to identify the intruders.

If ROK NIS really involve on this, as Chosun accusation, then besides embaresment, this can potentially put present Indonesian administrations on difficult place politically since it's not secret in here that present administrations quite willing to promote defense corporation with ROK.

Considering that presently according to Mindef sources in here ROK T-50 actually already in the lead over Russian Yak 130 on Indonesian LIFT competitions, this move can attract some faction on parlement that rather simpathetic with Russian (i,e anti US) to backlash on ROK T-50 in which many of them still see it's basically a US sponsored products.

This article also confirm that lead candidate to Indonesian first MBT are either K1A1 or K2. This also actually in the competitions with Russian T-90. Manpads SAM actually quite surprising, since before the Indonesian seems already in talk with China to get technology transfer agreement for QW-3.

 

[Ananda]

DI will manufactured C-295

From Business Indonesia online:

JAKARTA - PT Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero) (PT DI), again in cooperation with aircraft manufacturers from Europe, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS)-CASA to make the C295 military aircraft.

PT DI president director Budi Santoso said today it has prepared a C295 aircraft, and for the first phase of the company aircraft procurement project aiming at military environment.

"As is known, the military is the replacement project Fokker 27, and the project we aim to offer the C295 aircraft. Preparation will be implemented when the contract has been obtained, "he said on Wednesday (23 / 2).

According to Budi Santoso, a local component in the C295 aircraft more than 40%, so the company has the potential to be appointed directly by the government. Capital will be provided by EADS, and PT DI will work on the manufacture of aircraft.

"To profit sharing with EADS, we still discuss it. The cooperation we intertwine with EADS after the previous two institutions suffered estrangement relationship when the Indonesian government was not involved in the project Cassa N250, "said Budi Santoso.

A C295 military transport aircraft that can perform various functions, primarily for maritime patrol. In the NATO environment, the aircraft is equipped with the latest anti-submarine missile system and surface ships.

The aircraft also can function as a light transport aircraft, capable of carrying military personnel up to 70 people. C295 aircraft so far has been used in various countries. NATO to use this aircraft for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Budi Santoso said the EADS also relocate Casa 212-400 aircraft assembly plant that had previously been in Spain. This is because the cost of production in Europe is much higher than in Indonesia.

"The whole jig manufacture of the aircraft was now located in Bandung. Apart from Indonesia in Asia, Casa 212 is also used Thailand and Vietnam, "he said.

So far planes produced PTDI is N-2130, N-250, NC-212, CN-235, N-219. At the beginning, this state produces aircraft Sikumbang, Grasshopper, Glow, and Wren (manufactured under license from CEKOP Poland which is now known as the PZL).

For helicopters, the production PTDI a.l. NBO 105 (licensed from the German MBB), NBK 117, NBell 412 (licensed from Bell Helicopter, USA), NAS 332 Super Puma which is the development of the Aerospatiale Puma.

This is a reasonable move by DI, and should been discussed some time ago. The relationship between DI and Casa (later part of EADS) sour when DI decided to build N-250 on it's own. Later on 2004-2005, DI also still planed to revise N-250 as military trasnport plane in order to try jump start the program again.

However C-295 is actually a natural move and more economics to developed together with EADS again, since DI capabilities for manufacturing CN-235 is already proven, and the logistics adjustment will not a major one.

DI and EADS hope by again join manufactured C-295 under license in DI, they can be more competitive with TNI-AU plan for F-27 replacement and hopefully can reduce C-295 costs for Asian market.