Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin held a strategic meeting aboard a modernized Hercules C-130 transport aircraft on Wednesday, urging the defense industry to expand domestic capabilities.

The meeting at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, coincided with the handover of upgraded C-130H A-1319 from PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk to the Defense Ministry.

The handover marks a breakthrough for Indonesia’s domestic defense industry, as local companies expand their role in maintaining strategic military equipment.

A-1319 is the first Hercules to undergo major modifications outside Lockheed Martin facilities, including center wing box replacement, avionics upgrades and structural integrity work.

The overhaul is expected to extend the aircraft’s operational service life by 15 to 20 years, according to the Defense Ministry.

Addressing officials from the ministry, Air Force, GMF and PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Sjafrie urged local companies to expand maintenance capabilities toward greater self-reliance.

“This is a breakthrough collaboration between Garuda and PT DI, enabling us to stand on our own two feet in modernizing the C-130 fleet,” Sjafrie said.

He said the effort supports President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of strengthening national defense by maximizing the capabilities of Indonesian engineers and technical crews.

“This is our vision moving forward: enhancing our defense forces by leveraging the capabilities of our own Indonesian crews,” the minister said.

Attendees included Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, GMF President Director Andi Fahrurrozi and Garuda Indonesia President Commissioner Fadjar Prasetyo.

The delivered C-130H is the second Hercules modernized by GMF, following a center wing box overhaul of the A-1315 aircraft.

Defense officials said the C-130 program could help domestic companies eventually expand maintenance capabilities to other major weapons systems used by the Indonesian Armed Forces.

GMF President Director Andi Fahrurrozi called the project a milestone for Indonesia’s defense industry, demonstrating that domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities can support strategic military needs.

Pewarta: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor : Vicki Febrianto
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