The Indonesian Military (TNI) has accepted a grant from the United States of 24 F-16A/B Fighting Falcons as part of its overall program to upgrade the Air Force, state news agency Antara reported.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) has accepted a grant from the United States of 24 F-16A/B Fighting Falcons as part of its overall program to upgrade the Air Force.
“The process is still ongoing,†TNI Chief Chief Adm. Agus Suhartono said on Monday. “It has been followed up by the Ministry of Defense and we are now awaiting confirmation from the US regarding Indonesia’s decision to accept the offer,†he said.
Agus said the TNI had been planning to purchase new, more sophisticated F-16 fighter jets from the United States in 2014.
“In terms of price, however, it will be cheaper if we accept the grant of two squadrons of F-16,†he said.
He said the fighters could be upgraded to include technology from the latest f-16s.
“The avionic systems could be upgraded as well as their weapons systems. So the F-16 fighters granted are still reliable weapons to give a deterrent effect,†he said.
He said the fighters would have an operational life of 25 years.
“So it is more efficient and effective for us to accept the grant rather than to buy six new planes of the type,†he said.
Antara
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