Marhalim Abas, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, covers Southeast Asian defense. He has worked as a journalist specializing in Southeast Asia defense and security since 1994, initially with the New Straits Times newspaper.
The aircraft, built by Airbus and equipped by Indonesian Aerospace, was handed over from the local factory at Bandung on June 27, the Indonesian company said.
The ships each must be able to embark two 10-metric-ton (22,000 lb.) helicopters, with hangar space for one aircraft. Carrying capacity must be at least 6,350 metric tons.
