REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- The Indonesian aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has recommended the bulletproof EC-725 Cougar helicopter for the Indonesian president and vice president.

"The Airbus EC-725 helicopter is highly recommended for VVIPs," Production Director of PTDI Arie Wibowo stated here on Wednesday (Nov. 25).

Arie noted that the Airbus EC-725 has been designed as a bulletproof helicopter and especially has armor protection on its sides and bottom.

"The glass is not bulletproof as a helicopter could potentially be shot at from the bottom. The bottom and sides are bulletproof, while a lubricant is applied on the fuel tank," he affirmed.

Arie remarked that if the EC-725 helicopter was chosen as the president's and vice president's plane, a customization can be done, such as replacing the chairs with couches, and a small kitchen can be made at the rear end of the helicopter's cabin.

As compared to the Italian AW-101 helicopter, the EC-725 helicopter offers more advantages.

The EC-725 helicopter has been used by at least 32 heads of state, while the AW-101 helicopter is used by four heads of state.

Additionally, the EC-725 has been used in wars in Lebanon, Chad, Afghanistan, Mali, Libya, and others, while the AW-101 has only been used for transporting troops in Afghanistan.

"The EC-725 is cheaper than the AW-101. In case of an engine failure, the EC-725 automatically activates autopilot to stabilize the helicopter. The EC-725 is equipped with inflatable boats and Forward Looking Infrared, or FLIR," Arie explained.

The plan on the procurement of the helicopter for the president and vice president has revealed both pros and cons. The Air Force has stressed on selecting the AW-101 helicopter, which it had procured from Italy, while several experts have recommended the EC-725.

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