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Outgoing Air Force chief reveals 2015-2019 modernization plans
The Indonesian Air Force plans to conduct modernization programs for its aircraft and systems as well as procuring new assets in the 2015-2019 period, outgoing Air Force chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia said on Thursday
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he Indonesian Air Force plans to conduct modernization programs for its aircraft and systems as well as procuring new assets in the 2015-2019 period, outgoing Air Force chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia said on Thursday.
In 2015, the Air Force will conduct the Falcon Star program to extend the structural life and mid-life upgrade (MLU) program to modernize the avionics of F-16 A/B Block 15 jet fighters, which belong to the 3rd Squadron at Iswahjudi Air Force Base (AFB) in Madiun, East Java, the Air Force said on its website.
Bagus said there were also plans for the acquisition of cameras and surveillance radars for Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller maritime patrol aircraft (MPA).
The MPAs are under the 5th Squadron at Sultan Hasanuddin AFB in Makassar, South Sulawesi.
In the medium term, the Air Force is applying for the acquisition of aircraft for multirole tanker transport (MRTT), airborne warning and control (AW&C) and strategic maritime surveillance missions.
Speaking during an exit briefing at the Air Force headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Bagus said the Air Force also wanted to buy one medium and low altitude air defense (MLAAD) radar as well as refurbishing two Weibel radars.
The procurement program also includes the purchase of new AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles and other modern weapons systems.
Bagus will be replaced by Air Marshal Ade Supriatna who is set to be officiated by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Friday.
In his farewell briefing, Bagus also revealed a number of achievements such as the upgrade of three AFBs from Type B to Type A and eight AFBs from Type D to Type C. Therefore, currently the service has nine Type As, 13 Type Bs and 29 Type Cs.
He also said the establishment of the 16th Squadron had increased the number of combat squadrons to eight in addition to five transport squadrons, three helicopter squadrons, two VIP/VVIP squadrons, two training squadrons and one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) squadron. (nvn)(++++)
