Indonesia's army is considering becoming the first overseas customer for the new Bell 210 light utility helicopter and is planning to acquire another batch of Mil Mi-17s. Industry sources say Indonesia has expressed interest in acquiring two squadrons of 210s and Bell has asked the US State Department to sign off on the proposed deal despite an embargo limiting arms sales to Indonesia.
The 210 is set to receive civil certification in the USA later this year and Bell is trying to convince the State Department the aircraft is strictly a commercial product although its fuselage is remanufactured from the UH-1H Huey and its Honeywell T5317A/B engines are also military-based. Bell is confident it can win approval for the sale within the next few months, although it remains unclear if Indonesia will be able to find the necessary funds.
Launched late last year using components from the Bell 212 and the certificate of the Bell 205, the 210 so far has only been sold to US government agencies. The Indonesian army already operates a fleet of 205s, as well as locally assembled Bell 412s and is keen to start acquiring US helicopters again. The embargo does not prohibit the sale of parts for military aircraft with non-combat roles, but has blocked the sale of fighter parts and new aircraft.
The Indonesian army is looking to acquire up to four new helicopter squadrons. Budget constraints threaten to delay the purchase of Western-built aircraft, unless Indonesia can arrange for special financing, possibly from the US Export-Import Bank.
Sources say Russian aircraft can be more easily acquired through counter-trade and additional Mi-17 transport and Mi-35 assault helicopters may be acquired along with 32 210s. Indonesia was to receive four additional Mi-17s in early 2004, but this acquisition was put on hold for one year after the deposit on the aircraft went missing. In January Indonesia reversed an earlier decision to abandon the purchase and the four aircraft are now scheduled to be delivered this year.
BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
