Minister Sjafrie Attends Handover of Modernized C-130H A-1319 Aircraft from GMF

RRI.CO.ID, Tangerang – Indonesia’s Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, attended the handover of the C-130H A-1319 aircraft. The aircraft, which underwent modernization by PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk (GMF), was handed over to the Ministry of Defense at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The handover marks an enhancement of domestic industrial capacity in supporting the maintenance and modernization of major defense equipment. It also reinforces collaboration among the Ministry of Defense, the Indonesian Air Force, GMF, PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), and other defense industry partners.

GMF President Director, Andi Fahrurrozi, symbolically handed over the C-130H A-1319 aircraft to Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who was accompanied by Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KSAU) Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono. Following the handover ceremony, the officials inspected the modernized aircraft.

In his remarks, the GMF President Director also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Defense for entrusting GMF with the modernization of the C-130H A-1319. The completion of the project represents an important milestone in developing national industrial capabilities to support defense requirements.

The Hercules C-130H A-1319 is the first aircraft to undergo major modifications at GMF outside of Lockheed Martin facilities. The work included the Center Wing Box Replacement, Avionics Upgrade Program, and Structural Integrity Program. The modernization enhances the aircraft’s avionics capabilities, reliability, and operational readiness, while extending its operational service life by approximately 15–20 years.

Minister of Defense Sjafrie, said that the modernization of the Hercules C-130H A-1319 represents an important step toward building defense self-reliance, particularly by strengthening the domestic capability to maintain TNI AU defense equipment. According to him, technical capabilities and human resources are being strengthened through collaboration among GMF, PTDI, and the national defense industry, enabling aircraft maintenance and modernization to increasingly rely on domestic capabilities.

In addition, Sjafrie explained that international cooperation remains necessary as part of efforts to foster capacity. However, technical capabilities and expertise are gradually being developed and mastered domestically.

The handover of the C-130H A-1319 is part of efforts to enhance the operational readiness of the Indonesian Air Force. It also aims at strengthening the role of the national defense industry in supporting the country’s defense equipment requirements