The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) have embarked on joint Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations as part of the Manyar Indopura XIX/24 exercise. This bi-national exercise, which runs from July 8 to July 19, 2024, has progressed to field maneuvers, including live-fire exercises at the Air Weapon Range (AWR) in Siabu, Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base. Both air forces have deployed their Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters for the operations. The TNI AU’s Caracal helicopters are sourced from Squadron 8 at Atang Sendjaja Air Base, while the RSAF’s Caracals hail from Squadron 125 at Sembawang Air Base. The training began with reconnaissance flights over the AWR Siabu, aiming to familiarize crews with the operational area and refine their SAR capabilities. These exercises are designed to enhance the SAR skills of both air forces.
During the Combat SAR operations, TNI AU and RSAF personnel alternated roles between rescue teams and air cover units, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and coordination. Safety was paramount throughout the exercises, with strict protocols in place to ensure the well-being of all participants. The Manyar Indopura XIX/24 exercise underscores the commitment of TNI AU and RSAF to bolstering their operational capabilities and strengthening bilateral relations. Airbus developed four primacy cabin configurations for the type (Troop Transport, VIP transport, Casualty Evacuation and Combat SAR. The Combat SAR configuration is fully equipped to perform search and rescue duties in a combat environment. The use of the H225M Caracal highlights the advanced capabilities of both air forces.
The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. It can accommodate up to 28 troops and two crew members, making it a critical asset in diverse operational scenarios. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is similar to the civilian EC225 Super Puma. The EC725 can be equipped with various military equipment and armaments, such as a pair of 7.62 mm FN MAG machine guns mounted within forward left and right windows, or a pair of 68 mm (2.75″) Thales Brandt or Forges de Zeebrugge side-mounted rocket launchers, each with 19 rockets, or the MU90 Impact aerial-launched torpedo. Furthermore, a combination of gun pods, rocket pods and Hellfire air-to-surface missiles can be mounted externally via the HForce Generic Weapon System (GWS).
In November 2014, the Indonesian Air Force took delivery of the first of six EC725s for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations. Indonesian Aerospace (PT. Dirgantara Indonesia/PTDI) performs the maintenance, repair and overhaul activities upon Indonesia’s EC725 fleet; the firm also supply the tail booms and airframe assemblies for EC225s and EC725s worldwide, the first locally assembled main fuselage assembly was delivered in November 2013. On 7 November 2016, Singapore announced that the H225M would replace its existing Super Pumas, which had been in service since 1983, after a rigorous evaluation process. This would enable the Republic of Singapore Air Force to meet its requirements for a wide spectrum of operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower.
