Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, announced that it is inking an agreement with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), an Indonesian aeronautics company, for a bulk purchase of Black hawk helicopters.
Sikorsky and PTDI ventured into a strategic partnership to pursue a sales agreement for up to 24 Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk helicopters for the Republic of Indonesia. This will inevitably increase the capabilities of the Indonesian Air Force.
A Proven Machine – Perfect for Indonesia
Jeff White, vice president of Global Business Development at Sikorsky said: “This agreement demonstrates our mutual interest with PTDI to provide S-70M Black Hawk helicopters to serve Indonesia’s security needs.”
He furthered: “The Black Hawk is designed and built to the toughest military standards, and it can quickly and reliably deliver personnel and supplies to geographically dispersed populations across a large archipelagic area such as Indonesia.”
The inking was concluded during Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian Defense Minister’s visit to the United States to meet with defense and industry delegates.
The minister’s visit to the US will elevate Indonesia’s modernization and interoperability efforts. This move certainly will allow Indonesia to have a larger bargaining power in the realms of hard power and diplomacy.
[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]
Indonesia’s Confidence in the Helicopter
The Sikorsky has a well-known reputation for its reliability, and Indonesia expresses its confidence by having PTDI join hands with the American manufacturer.
Gita Amperiawan, President Director at PTDI stated: “We are confident that this strategic cooperation between PTDI and Lockheed Martin will result in added values gained for PTDI’s capability in integration, customization, modification, and system upgrade for the helicopter’s completion.”
Gita furthered: “In addition, with the opportunity to become an official Sikorsky supplier, PTDI will also be able to expand its aerostructure business.”
The Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk is built at the Lockheed Martin PZL Mielec facility in Poland. The high-in-demand S-70M Black Hawk has gained its title as being of the most trusted utility aircraft for operators globally, not limited to Indonesia or Asia,
The helicopter comes equipped with unrivaled multi-mission versatility and military-grade airworthiness capabilities. The Black Hawk is capable of flying in extreme weather conditions, day or night.
About PT Dirgantara Indonesia
PT Dirgantara Indonesia, also known as PTDI is one of Indonesia’s proudest indigenous aerospace companies.
PTDI is one of Asia’s most competent companies in terms of aircraft design, development and testing, aircraft structure manufacturing, and aircraft production.
PTDI has served both civilian and military aircraft since August 1976. The company was created by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises and has successfully grown into a capable aerospace company.
As of today, the company has delivered more than 460 aircraft to customers worldwide.
Indonesia Regional Footprint
The South East Asian nation is growing in terms of military and economic might.
Recently the country inked an agreement for 24 new F-15EX fighter aircraft. The Sikorsky purchase can be seen as a complement to the F-15 purchase and to improve the overall capability of the country’s defense force.
The purchase of the Sikorsky and also to a greater extent the F-15 symbolises Indonesia’s commitment to air power.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
