Indonesian Navy to receive Airbus helicopters

JAKARTA, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The Indonesian Navy has ordered nearly a dozen Airbus AS565 MBe Panther helicopters in an anti-submarine warfare configuration.

The 11 Panthers, which are the naval variant of the Dauphin twin-engine multi-role aircraft, will be delivered within the next three years to PT Dirgantara Indonesia, an Airbus Helicopters' partner who will be outfitting the aircraft in-country with mission equipment before delivery to the Indonesian Navy.

"The Panther now becomes one of the world's most capable light/medium anti-submarine warfare platforms, with an advanced ASW suite and the capability to operate from corvettes or small frigates," said Philippe Monteux, head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus Helicopters. "This fully-capable, modern solution meets the naval requirements of Indonesia and other countries in the region, benefitting from our partnership with PT Dirgantara Indonesia and the industry's best system suppliers."

Mission equipment to be installed includes helicopter long-range active sonar and a torpedo launching system.

"This latest contract demonstrates the strength and efficiency of our commercial and industrial partnership with Airbus Helicopters," PT Dirgantara Indonesia President Budi Santoso said. "Together, we are able to identify and deliver the most modern and cost-effective solutions for the Indonesian government and at the same time associate the significant involvement of the Indonesian industry."

Airbus Helicopters was previously known as Eurocopter.

The AS565 MBe Panther has a maximum speed of 190 miles and a service ceiling of more than 19,000 feet. It can carry a variety of rockets, missiles and guns.