Tangerang, August 19th, 2026 — PT Garuda Maintenance Facility Aero Asia Tbk (GMF), part of Garuda Indonesia Group, through its SBU Defense Industry, has achieved another significant milestone in strengthening national defense industry capabilities by completing the modernization project of the Indonesian Air Force’s C-130H Hercules aircraft with tail number A-1319. The aircraft was officially handed over by GMF, represented by GMF CEO, Andi Fahrurrozi, to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, witnessed by Minister of Defense General of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Honorary, Retired) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, on Wednesday (19/08) at GMF Hangar 4.
A-1319 is the second aircraft to undergo GMF’s C-130H modernization program, following the completion of the Center Wing Box Replacement (CWBR) modernization of A-1315, which was handed over to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian Air Force in 2023. The A-1319 modernization program involved more extensive modifications, including the Center Wing Box Replacement (CWBR), the Avionic Upgrade Program (AUP), and the Structural Integrity Program (SIP), aimed at maintaining the aircraft’s structural integrity, upgrading its avionics systems, and supporting operational readiness and reliability.
GMF CEO, Andi Fahrurrozi stated that the completion of A-1319 represents an important achievement in strengthening GMF’s capabilities in handling the country’s defense assets.
“Through this program, we are not only ensuring that the aircraft meets airworthiness and operational readiness requirements, but also continuously strengthening GMF’s engineering expertise and capabilities to handle highly complex and security-sensitive projects such as the modernization of C-130 Hercules aircraft,” said Andi.
The key maintenance work included the replacement of the aircraft’s main structural component, the Center Wing Box, which plays an important role in extending the aircraft’s operational service life by approximately 15–20 years. In addition, through the Avionic Upgrade Program (AUP), the aircraft’s avionics systems were upgraded to digital systems in line with the latest technological developments and operational requirements. Meanwhile, the Structural Integrity Program (SIP) ensures that the aircraft’s structural integrity is maintained to support safe and airworthy operations, including repeated heavy-load missions.
A-1319 is the prototype aircraft to undergo these modifications outside Lockheed Martin’s facilities. Following completion of the work, the aircraft underwent a flight test involving Indonesian Air Force pilots and crew. Before the flight test, the test crew had completed the Initial Conversion Avionics Flight 2 System training in Tampa, Florida, United States.
The modernization is also part of a defense industry offset program obtained by GMF as an industry entity fostered by the Ministry of Defense through the procurement of C-130J aircraft. Under the program, GMF received technology transfer from Lockheed Martin for the installation of CWBR and AUP on C-130H aircraft, including a manufacturer-level certification process for the prototype aircraft. Throughout the implementation, GMF maintained close technical coordination with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), Lockheed Martin, the Indonesian Air Force, and the Ministry of Defense.
The entire modernization process for A-1319 was carried out in accordance with regulatory standards established by the Indonesia Defence Airworthiness Authority (IDAA) Puslaik Kemhan through a series of airworthiness certification processes to ensure the aircraft is ready to support Indonesian Air Force operations.
The completion of A-1319 further strengthens GMF’s track record in handling military aircraft maintenance and modernization projects, particularly for the C-130 Hercules. This achievement also opens opportunities for GMF to further develop its capabilities toward becoming a Hercules Service Center and to earn greater trust in handling additional Hercules aircraft in the future, supported by continued collaboration with Lockheed Martin.
For the Indonesian Air Force, the return of A-1319 to operational readiness is expected to support various missions in safeguarding national sovereignty. For GMF, this achievement represents a tangible step toward strengthening domestic self-reliance in the maintenance of defense assets, reducing reliance on overseas maintenance facilities, and supporting the development of Indonesia’s national defense and aerospace industry ecosystem.
“The successful completion of A-1319 is the result of collaboration and trust among GMF, the Indonesian Air Force, the Ministry of Defense, Lockheed Martin, PT Dirgantara Indonesia, and all parties involved. As part of the Company’s business diversification strategy, we will continue to develop GMF’s capabilities and competencies to provide independent, high-standard maintenance and modernization solutions for defense fleets, while supporting sustainable business growth and national defense needs,” concluded Andi.
