Indonesia Signs LoI for Leonardo AW149 Naval Helicopters

Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) covering potential AW149 naval helicopters, support services, training and local industrial capabilities for the Indonesian Navy.

Indonesia has steadily expanded its military helicopter capabilities over the past two decades, operating Leonardo-built AW109 and AW169 variants alongside Airbus, Bell and Sikorsky rotorcraft across its armed forces and government agencies. Rather than replacing a specific legacy platform, the proposed AW149 acquisition is intended to expand the Indonesian Navy’s rotary-wing fleet and enhance its ability to conduct search and rescue, disaster relief and maritime security missions across the world’s largest archipelagic nation.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Leonardo, PT ESystem Solutions and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) covering the potential supply and long-term support of naval helicopters for the Indonesian Navy.

If followed by a definitive contract, the agreement could lead to the acquisition of Leonardo AW149 medium military helicopters configured for search and rescue (SAR) and disaster relief operations. The aircraft would be capable of operating from both land bases and embarked naval platforms, supporting Indonesia’s ongoing naval modernization programme while strengthening national emergency response capabilities.

Beyond the helicopters themselves, the parties also intend to establish local technical assistance, maintenance, aircraft completion and training capabilities. The industrial cooperation would expand Indonesia’s domestic aerospace support infrastructure while providing long-term sustainment for the future fleet.

The Letter of Intent also reflects the growing relationship between Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions following the launch of Indonesia’s M-346 F Block 20 light fighter programme. Leonardo said the agreement demonstrates the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s continued confidence in the company’s products, technologies and commitment to supporting the development of Indonesia’s national aerospace and defence industry.

The AW149 is Leonardo’s latest-generation medium multirole military helicopter, designed to perform a broad range of missions including tactical transport, utility operations, close support, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC/CASEVAC), search and rescue, and combat search and rescue. Selection by Indonesia would further expand the AW149’s presence in Southeast Asia and reinforce Leonardo’s position in the Indonesian helicopter market across military, rescue, law enforcement and passenger transport sectors.