President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Paris on April 14 comes at a time when Indonesia is considering whether to expand its A400M military transport fleet.
While his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to focus on broader strategic cooperation, defense procurement is likely to feature among the discussions, including Indonesia’s option to acquire additional Airbus aircraft.
The context is not without precedent. In July 2025, Macron and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a US$20 billion Airbus deal in Paris following high-level talks, although involving different aircraft programs.
Whether Prabowo’s visit could lead to a similar outcome remains to be seen, as discussions between the two sides continue.
Indonesia weighs additional Airbus aircraft
Indonesia has begun operating two Airbus A400M military transport aircraft and is now considering whether to expand the fleet, as discussions over defense cooperation take place in France.
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) confirmed it is awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Defense on a proposal to procure four additional units, part of an option included in the initial contract with Airbus.
Air Force Chief of Staff Mohamad Tonny Harjono said the service is ready to operate additional aircraft if the government moves forward with the purchase.
“As the user, the authority rests with the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. We prepare, and the Commander utilizes the capability,” Tonny said, as quoted by Antara on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Two aircraft delivered and already in use
Indonesia has already received two A400M aircraft from Airbus, marking a key step in upgrading its transport fleet.
- The first unit (A-4001) was delivered on November 3, 2025, and has since been deployed in operations, including humanitarian missions in Sumatra.
- The second unit (A-4002) arrived on March 27–28, 2026, following a delivery flight from Seville, Spain, with stopovers in Canada and Japan.
Both aircraft are now operational, supporting Indonesia’s airlift needs across military and non-combat missions.
Expansion under consideration
President Prabowo Subianto has confirmed that the government has activated the procurement contract for the initial two A400M aircraft and secured an option to acquire four additional units, with negotiations ongoing to finalize a potential follow-on order.
The Air Force says it is preparing for a possible fleet expansion, including training, maintenance, and supporting infrastructure, while awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Defense.
A400M capabilities: expanding strategic airlift and multi-mission operations
The A400M, produced by Airbus, is a multi-role military transport aircraft designed for both strategic and tactical airlift, including operations in remote and underdeveloped areas.
It can carry up to 37 tons of cargo or 116 fully equipped troops, and transport heavy equipment such as fuel trucks, excavators, and missile launchers.
According to Airbus, the aircraft supports a wide range of missions, including:
- Strategic and tactical airlift of troops and equipment
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations
- Medical evacuation missions
- Logistics support across remote and archipelagic regions
Its ability to operate on short and semi-prepared runways makes it particularly well-suited to Indonesia’s geographically dispersed territory.
Broader role beyond military transport
The aircraft is also expected to play a wider role beyond conventional military missions.
President Prabowo has previously called for the A400M to be equipped with dedicated air ambulance modules, moving beyond the container-based medical systems currently used on older C-130 aircraft.
He has also highlighted the aircraft’s potential for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and other non-combat operations, reflecting a broader dual-use approach to defense assets.
Paris visit may provide momentum
The procurement discussion comes as Prabowo meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, following talks in Moscow a day earlier with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While official discussions in France focus on strategic cooperation and global stability, defense ties, including ongoing aircraft programs with Airbus, are expected to form part of the broader agenda.