The Indonesian Air Force has recently welcomed a fleet of locally manufactured aircraft. PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), entrusted by the Indonesia Ministry of Defense, has delivered the NC212i medium STOL military transport aircraft, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing. The ceremonious takeoff of the NC212i Troop Transport from the PTDI Hangar Delivery Center in Bandung to Skadron Udara 4, Abdulrachman Saleh Air Base in Malang signified the culmination of meticulous engineering and production efforts. The aircraft, bearing the tail number AX-2127, represents the second in a series of nine NC212i airplanes contracted by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense for deployment within the Indonesian Air Force. Notably, the preceding aircraft was successfully delivered on January 26, 2021.
The contractual specifications outline a diverse fleet configuration for these aircraft. Four airplanes are tailored for Troop Transport capabilities, four are designated for Rain Making purposes, while the remaining unit serves as a Navigation Training configuration—a testament to the aircraft’s versatility and adaptability to distinct operational needs. Born from the legacy of the CASA C-212 Aviocar, the NC212i embodies a turboprop-powered Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) medium cargo aircraft, originating from the esteemed Spanish aircraft manufacturer Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA (CASA). Distinguished by its contemporary full glass cockpit and autopilot avionics system, this lightweight turboprop aircraft is equipped with a ramp door and boasts a spacious cabin, setting benchmarks within its class. Its design caters seamlessly to the requirements of both civil and military operators.
As of December 2012, a global network comprising 92 operators has embraced the C-212 series, boasting a total of 602 population units of NC212 aircraft worldwide. These aircraft serve a myriad of purposes across various aviation domains, including transport, surveillance, and search and rescue operations, aligning with the NC212’s multifaceted utility.The strategic partnership between Indonesia and CASA dates back to 1975 when the Indonesian aircraft company IPTN secured licensing rights to locally produce the aircraft in Bandung, Indonesia. The subsequent establishment of a production line, supported by CASA, led to the construction of 95 NC-212s by 2000. These Indonesian-built aircraft primarily catered to domestic demands, while also making their mark in the broader Asian market.
In a milestone development in February 2013, Airbus, the successor company to CASA, entered an agreement with PTDI, the successor to IPTN, facilitating the complete transfer of C-212 production to Indonesia. This move propelled PTDI to manufacture both the NC-212-200 and the -400 upgrade variants, equipped with state-of-the-art digital avionics, autopilot systems, and redesigned cabins accommodating up to 28 passengers. The delivery of the NC212i fleet underscores Indonesia’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and bolsters its Air Force’s operational capabilities. PTDI’s successful production and delivery stand as a testament to the nation’s burgeoning aerospace industry and herald a new era of indigenous aircraft production, marking a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s defense landscape.
