PTDI signs HOA with Sikorsky for Black Hawks

Indonesia has had an interest in acquiring Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters produced at the PZL Mielec facility in Poland since 2007. (Lockheed Martin)

Indonesia has signed a heads of agreement (HOA) for the procurement of 24 Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk helicopters.

The HOA was signed by Sikorsky and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) for the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD). The MoD said the defence industry agreement “is related to the procurement of … the Black Hawk helicopters to strengthen the TNI helicopter fleet”.

PTDI president director Gita Amperiawan said that through this agreement, PTDI will continue the development of activities required to bring the Black Hawk to Indonesia. PTDI added that it is prepared to support the MoD to “carry out the procurement of the helicopter” as it is a defence industry under Defend ID.

The company also said its strategic partnership with Sikorsky will support the building of “a national industry in order to meet the needs of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense”.

“We believe this strategic co-operation between PTDI and Sikorsky will generate added value obtained from PTDI's ability to integrate, customise, modify, and improve systems for helicopter completion,” Amperiawan said.

Furthermore, according to Amperiawan, the co-operation will allow PTDI to be able to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities on the S-70M Black Hawk helicopter, along with its systems and engines. “By becoming Sikorsky's official supplier, PTDI can also develop its aerostructure business,” according to the MoD.

Sikorsky president Paul Lemmo said the agreement reflects a joint commitment with PTDI to provide S-70M Black Hawk helicopters to meet Indonesia's security needs. “The Black Hawk is … capable of delivering personnel and supplies quickly and reliably to scattered areas throughout the Indonesian archipelago,” Lemmo said.