Indonesia requests to equip 5 existing Panther helicopters with naval warfare capability

One of the TNI-AL's AS565MBe Panther naval helicopters. 

The Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) has requested with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) to equip five (5) of their existing Airbus AS565MBe Panther multipurpose naval helicopters to allow Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) capabilities in support of fleet operations.

The TNI-AL ordered eleven (11) Panther helicopters from Airbus Helicopters through Indonesian state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in 2014. Two (2) of the helicopters were equipped for ASW missions, while the rest are standard multipurpose utility helicopter variants that could be equipped later on.

The 5 helicopters requested for upgrade will come from these multipurpose utility variants. Out of the five helicopters, 2 will be fitted with ASW capabilities, while the other 3 will be fitted for ASuW capability. 

The TNI-AL has so far received 10 out of 11 helicopters ordered, with PTDI making the final fit-out in their facility in Indonesia before delivery to the TNI-AL. Any additional work including the capability upgrade are expected to be undertaken by PTDI, similar to most aircraft of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI).

Aside from 2 helicopters already fitted with ASW capabilities, all other Panther helicopters delivered to the TNI-AL are being used as multipurpose helicopters and are being operated from ships and land bases.


[1] Jane's Navy International