TNI to buy four unmanned aircraft for RI's borders

PONTIANAK: Indonesian Air Force chief of staff Marshal Imam Sufa'at said the Indonesian Military planned to buy four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for border surveillance.

"The four UAVs, among others, will be stationed at Suryadarma Air Force Base *in Subang, West Java* and Supadio Air Force Base *in Pontianak, West Kalimantan*," Imam said Friday.

He said the country had never operated any UAVs but that they would be strategic additions to the military's air force fleet.

The aircraft could be used to monitor illegal activities that occur in border areas, such as illegal logging and fishing.

Apart from the UAVs, the air force also plans to develop a radar plant in Merauke, Papua, which is expected to be operational in November. - JP