TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Y. Kim on Thursday paid a visit to state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) to survey the facility that has partnered with the U.S. in producing components for the Bell 412 helicopter.

It marked the delivery of the ninth helicopter ordered by the Indonesian Defense Ministry.

This also marks the completion of the ninth and last Bell 412 delivery for the Indonesian air force. The Indonesian Defense Ministry said the helicopters will be commissioned at the 11 and 24 squadrons.

PTDI, in a press statement on February 24, said the U.S. ambassador is in complete support to boost the company’s capacity and capability on the MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations) of the C130 Hercules craft for future partnerships with US companies.

During his visit, the ambassador witnessed the ferry flight of the Bell 412 combat utility helicopter. The chopper is jointly produced with Texas manufacturing firm Bell Textron under the Industrial Collaboration Agreement (ICA) where PTDI acts as one of the global supply chains.

PTDI manufactures the Bell helicopter’s tail and door sections along with other parts. The company also holds the right as a certified maintenance center for every Bell helicopter operating in Indonesia, which is capable of flying for 687 kilometers.

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AHMAD FIKRI