Antara News·Indonesia·Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 11:39 AM

Indonesia eyes Airbus A330 tankers for its Air Force operations

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W. Marison, Tegar Nurfitra

Taking into account our vast territory and large number of aircraft, we will need at least three MRTTs,

Jakarta (ANTARA) -

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) has confirmed its interest in acquiring the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), similar to those operated by the French Air and Space Force.

"It is true that we want to acquire the MRTT, as outlined in our strategic plan," TNI AU Deputy Chief of Staff Air Marshal Tedi Rizalihadi said at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta on Wednesday.

He made the statement after inspecting a French A330 MRTT aircraft at the air base during the Pegase 2026 mission.

Rizalihadi said the aircraft would significantly enhance the effectiveness of military operations, given its capability to function as a mobile command-and-control center coordinating fighter jets and transport aircraft during combat missions.

He added that the MRTT can integrate communication systems across different aircraft and provide real-time monitoring of aerial operations.

Furthermore, he noted that the aircraft can transport up to 88 troops and various equipment required for military operations while also conducting air-to-air refueling with a fuel-carrying capacity of 110 tons.

"Taking into account our vast territory and large number of aircraft, we will need at least three MRTTs," the officer said.

However, he declined to elaborate on the planned acquisition, noting that procurement authority rests with the Ministry of Defense.

France deployed nine aircraft to Indonesia as part of the Pegase 2026 mission, including three A330 MRTTs. One of the tankers took part in an air-to-air refueling exercise over Jakarta on Wednesday involving Indonesian and French Rafale fighter jets.

Pegase 2026 commander Major General Julien Sabene said Indonesia was selected as a stopover destination because France considers it a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

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