TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s newest and largest transport aircraft, the Airbus A400M, officially landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta on Monday morning, November 3, 2025.
The aircraft’s arrival was celebrated with a traditional water salute, as fire trucks sprayed arcs of water over the aircraft while it taxied across the runway.
According to Antara, the A400M touched down around 07:45 AM Western Indonesia Time, greeted by applause from Air Force personnel and invited guests.
Later in the day, President Prabowo Subianto officially handed over the aircraft, registered as A-4001, to the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) before it joins Squadron 31 at the same airbase.
With this new addition, many are asking: What are the A400M’s capabilities, and how does it compare to other military transport aircraft?
A400M at a Glance
Developed by Airbus Defence and Space, the A400M is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 37 tons (81,600 pounds) of cargo.
Its spacious 4-by-4-meter cargo bay can fit armored vehicles, helicopters, or up to 116 paratroopers, making it one of the most versatile transport aircraft in the world.
It cruises at speeds of up to Mach 0.72 and can reach altitudes of 40,000 feet. The A400M’s range is equally impressive, able to carry 20 tons of cargo for around 3,400 nautical miles, roughly double the range of most medium tactical aircraft.
Built for flexibility, the aircraft can take off and land on short, unpaved runways, supported by a 12-wheel landing gear designed to distribute heavy loads and reduce foreign object damage.
Its defensive features include an armored cockpit, bullet-resistant windscreen, and fly-by-wire controls for greater maneuverability. The aircraft can fly as low as 150 feet above the ground, bank up to 120 degrees, and deploy flares and chaff to evade threats in high-risk areas.
Beyond transport missions, the A400M can also serve as an air-to-air refueling tanker or receiver, with a fuel capacity of 51 tons. It has successfully refueled fighter jets such as the Su-30, F-18, Eurofighter, and Tornado.
How It Compares to Other Aircraft
The A400M occupies a medium-heavy class, bridging the gap between the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.
While the C-17, powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117 turbofan engines, can carry nearly 77 tons across intercontinental distances, the A400M provides greater operational flexibility as it can function in rugged environments that heavier jets cannot access.
The C-130J Hercules, meanwhile, remains a mainstay for tactical missions in confined or challenging terrain. Although smaller, it is often considered more efficient for special operations where maneuverability and short-runway performance are critical.
According to the Royal Air Force (RAF), the A400M provides superior logistical transport capabilities, while the C-130J remains better suited for niche missions requiring smaller aircraft.
A Proven Track Record
Since entering service in 2013, the A400M has been deployed in missions worldwide—from humanitarian operations in the Caribbean to military missions in Mali and Afghanistan, as well as the Kabul evacuation in 2021.
Its combination of tactical mobility, strategic range, and versatility has made it a key part of Airbus’ air power portfolio, alongside fighter jets and refueling aircraft.
With the A400M now in Indonesian service, the Air Force gains a significant boost in transport, disaster response, and strategic reach, marking another step forward in the country’s defense modernization.
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