Indonesia assigns 2 AS565MBe Panther for anti-submarine warfare

One of the ASW-capable AS565MBe Panther of the TNI-AL. Photo c/o Pinterest.

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) assigned two (2) of the Airbus Helicopters AS565MBe Panther helicopters for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) out of the eleven (11) it ordered.

The nine (9) other units will be used for naval utility operations to replace the aging fleet of BO-105 helicopters, while still having the options to be converted to ASW-capable helicopters in the future.

The TNI-AL ordered 11 Panther helicopters through state-owned aviation company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in 2014. They were delivered in basic configurstion by Airbus Helicopters to PTDI, with the later assigned to install mission equipment and final fit-out and finishing works.

It is expected that the two ASW-equipped Panther helicopters will be assigned to the two new Martadinata-class (SIGMA 10514) frigates, each of which can carry a single helicopter.



[1] Jane's Navy International