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National scene: Air Force to relocate jets from haze regions
The Air Force is planning to redeploy several jet fighters away from haze-affected areas
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T
he Air Force is planning to redeploy several jet fighters away from haze-affected areas.
Air Force chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Agus Supriyatna said recently that the haze had reduced visibility in several Air Force bases such as in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, and in Pekanbaru, Riau.
'We will relocate the fighter jets so that we can keep exercising and maintaining our pilots' professionalism,' Agus said, adding that the new locations would be in Madiun, East Java, and Biak, Papua.
Agus said Biak had good weather and was not affected by the haze.
It is reported that Pontianak air base has a squadron of Hawk/100s while Pekanbaru is the base for a squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Agus said the Air Force had helped to extinguish hotspots by conducting water bombing with helicopters. However, he admitted the capacity of helicopters was too small as each helicopter could transport only 2 tons of water.
'Russia is helping us by using its aircraft, which can accommodate 12 tons of water,' he said.
