TNI accepts F-16 grants from US

Antara News, Mon, February 14 2011

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Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) has accepted the US offer to grant two squadrons of F-16A/B Fighting Falcons.

TNI commander Admiral Agus Suhartono said to ANTARA here on Monday the process of agreement had been conveyed to the ministry of defense and confirmation was now being waited from the US.

"The process is still going on. It has been followed up by the ministry of defense and we are now waiting for confirmation from the US regarding Indonesia`s decision to accept the offer," he said.

"TNI has actually programmed procurement for new F-16 planes from the US in 2014 which are more sophisticate. In terms of price however it will be cheaper if we accept the grant of two squadron of F-16," he said.

In terms of technology, he said, the 24 fighters could be upgraded with the latest technology equal to that of F-16 C/D Block 52 which is the newest type of F-16.

"The avionic system could be upgraded as well as their weapon system. So the F-16 fighters granted are still reliable weapons to give deterrent effect," he said.

Even they could still be operated until the next 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.

Air Force spokesman Real marshal Bambang Samoedro meanwhile said TNI hoped the grant would soon be able to meet its needs for a fighting squadron maximally.

"With the grant the air force could soon get additional fighter jets and must not have to wait until 2014. It will be better in terms of deterrent effects," he said.

Editor: Ruslan

Related Article:

Indonesia to accept US fighter plane grant

U.S. reaffirms maintenance for Indonesian F-16 fleet

English.news.cn   2011-01-05 00

JAKARTA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) - The United State has reaffirmed its pledge in securing the service and maintenance works on F-16 fighter jet planes operated by Indonesian air forces, an Indonesian official said here on Tuesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between Indonesia Air Forces Chief Marshall Imam Sufaat and former commander of U.S. fleet in Asia Pacific region Gen. (ret.) William J. Beggert, Indonesian Air Forces Spokesman Rear Marshall Bambang Samoedro conveyed that U.S. service and maintenance works on Indonesia's F- 16 planes have been resuming well after the U.S. embargo on such services was lifted in November 2005.

"They have been helping us in monitoring and checking the parts of our F-16 fleet in the last three years," Bambang said.

William J. Beggert now is the vice president of Business Development and Aftermarket Sales and Services at Pratt & Whitney.

Bambang said that teams from U.S. jet engine firm Pratt & Whitney came to Indonesia twice a year, checking the airworthiness of those planes.

"The service and maintenance works were conducted exactly the same like it was before the embargo was imposed," Bambang added.

Indonesia now operates 10 F-16 Fighting Falcon produced by U.S. firm General Dynamics. Those planes are stationed in Air Force's third air base located in Madiun, east Java, the Antara news service reported.

The embargo on Indonesia's fighter jet planes were imposed in late 1990s following an allegation of rights abuses committed by Indonesian forces during the referendum in former Indonesian province East Timor.

Editor: Mu Xuequan

US committed to help maintain Indonesia`s Hercules

Antara News, Friday, December 24, 2010

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The United States government expressed its commitment to help maintain the C-130 Hercules heavy transport planes of the Indonesian Air Force.

The commitment was made by US Air Attache Colonel Kevin A. Booth during a courtesy call on Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Imam Sufaat in Jakarta Thursday.

Air Force spokesman Air Commodore Bambang Samoedro after attending a meeting said that at present a Hercules C-130 of the Indonesian Air Force is undergoing a comprehensive maintenance under the Programmed Depot Maintanance (PDM) scheme at the ARINC hangar in Oklahoma, the US.

"In the beginning more than one will undergo the maintenance, but for the time being we sent only one. However, they remained with their commitment to help the maintenance of a number of Hercules planes of the Indonesian Air Force," Bambang said.

The Hercules undergoing maintenance at the ARINC hangar has the registration number A-1323.

He said the maintenance program under a US grant, was aimed to increase the capacity and preparedness of C-130 planes of the Indonesian Air Force.

"The maintenance will take six months, involving ten Indonesian air force technicians also within the technology transfer scheme," he said.

Bambang also said that the six months maintenance period may be extended for more than six months since many parts need to be repaired or replaced.

Repair and part replacements of one such Hercules cost 6.5 million US dollars.

TNI asks Netherlands to support frigate building project

Antara News, Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Defense Forces (TNI) has asked the Dutch government to consistently support the development of a light frigate by Indonesian ship-building company PT PAL.

"Yes, we have asked the Dutch to be more consistent in supervising the development of the ship as there are things that PT PAL cannot yet do," TNI spokesman Commodore Iskandar Sitompul said here on Tuesday.

PT PAL is developing a light frigate-type missile destroyer under supervision of Dutch ship-building company Schelde.

Asked about the program after he had attended a closed-door meeting between TNI Commander Admiral Agus Suhartono and Dutch ambassador Tjeerd F De Zwaan, Sitompul said Dutch consistency in helping carry out the program was needed.

"This is done in the framework of revitalizing national defense industry especially PT PAL to meet the needs of TNI weaponry including a light frigate," he said.

The Indonesian navy is striving to improve its combat power in the framework of meeting its minimum strength requirements by modernizing its weaponry. Right now it has 154 warships of various types and the number is to be increased to 274.

With regard to that the defense ministry has launched a light fregat destroyer development program in cooperation with the Netherlands. The ministry expects to build 20 units.

The program is estimated to cost US$220 million and take four years to finish.

Besides discussing the frigate development program they had also discussed various matters relating to the two countries` bilateral relations including the relations between the two countries` armies, he said.

Govt sets aside Rp6.4 trillion for arms purchases

Antara News, Saturday, January 23, 2010 20:34 WIB

Yogyakarta (ANTARA News) - The government has earmarked Rp6.4 trillion from the 2010 defense budget totaling Rp42 trillion to purchase military hardware, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said here on Saturday.

He said Indonesia had made an estimate on its arms conditions in the 2009-2004 five-yearly scheme which was part of its national middle term development plan, and for the purchase of new arms, the government had set aside Rp6.4 trillion.

The minister made the remarks after attending a graduate ceremony held at the Veteran National University Development (UPN). He said that the budget for the arms purchase would continue to be raised, even reaching Rp20 trillion.

Purnomo said that the defense budget was the second biggest in the 2010 state budget after the one allocated for the National Education Ministry, amounting to Rp55 trillion.

But about 50 to 60 percent of the budget would be used for employee expenditures as it covered budget for salaries of the defense ministry`s and the Defense Forces headquarters` personnel.

Besides, the budget is also used for goods and service procurement as well as for arms maintenance so that such a fund is not enough to build a complete armament for a big nation like Indonesia.

SBY Orders Paspampres to Prepare for Heavier Duties

Kompas, Jumat, 22 Januari 2010 | 15:19 WIB

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the Presidential Security Guards Force (Paspampres) to always be in a state of preparedness to face ever heavier challenges in the days ahead. "There are at least four challenges the Paspampres will face in the next five years," the head of state said in his directives to all Paspamres members at the force’s headquarters here in Friday.

Presidential Security Guards Force personnels form a lineup at the State Palace, Jakarta, KOMPAS/SUHARTONO

The president said his activities in serving the state and nation would increase in the next five years. "The next five years will be my last term in office and therefore I will be more active in carrying out my duties in serving the state and nation, both at home and abroad," the president said.

Yudhoyono added that in the coming years many international events would be organized in Indonesia, namely an Asean summit in 2012 and an APEC summit in 2013. He said many heads of state and government would attend the Asean and APEC summits in Indonesia.

"In addition, the Papampres should increase its alertness because the threat of terrorism against me, such as the character assassination planned by certain elements a few months ago, has not abated," he said.

Therefore, the president said, Paspampres should continue to update its armament systems. "I do not want Paspampres’ armament systems to be less sophisticated than those of its counterparts in other countries or those of terrorists," the head of state said.

Russia commits early delivery of three Sukhoi fighters

Antara News, Monday, December 21, 2009 23:01 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Russia has committed itself to delivering as early as possible the three Sukhoi jet fighters ordered by Indonesia, Indonesian Air Force spokesman Air Commodore FH Bambang Soelistyo said.

"We will help speed up the delivery of the three Sukhoi jet fighters for the Indonesian Air Force," Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Alexander. A. Ivanov was quoted by Bambang as saying on Monday.

Ivanov disclosed his government`s commitment at a closed-door meeting with Air Force Chief of Staff Vice Marshal Imam Sufa`at at the latter`s office.

Bambang said the delay in the delivery of three SU-27SKM Shukoi fighters was merely caused by technical and administrative problems and the Russian government had vowed to solve them soon.

Russia was supposed to deliver the three jet fighters in December 2009 and January 2010. But because of the problems the delivery had been postponed until October 2010.

"We do hope that they will be delivered earlier than October 2010. Three more Sukhoi jet fighters are enough to give the Indonesian air force deterrent capability. And the Russian government highly understands this," he said.

In 2003, Indonesia bought two SU-30MKs and two SU-27SKs from Russia. It signed a US$300 million deal with the Sukhoi manufacturer in 2007 for the supply of six Shukoi fighters.

The six consist of three SU-30MK2s and three SU-27SKMs. The three SU-30SKMs were delivered in December 2008 and January 2009.

Navy to purchase three airplanes from PT DI

Antara News, Friday, December 11, 2009 16:54 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) has placed an order for three CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) from Indonesia`s national aircraft industry PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI), its director Budi Santoso said.

The contract for the purchase of the three reconnaissance aircraft was signed here on Friday by PT DI President Director Budi Santoso and Director General for Defense Facilities of the Defense Ministry Rear Marshal Eris Herryanto.

Santoso said that the CN-235 reconnaissance planes had been equipped with detection sensors and control devices enabling them to carry out sensing, reconnaissance and targeting missions.

"We are also preparing the aircraft so that in the future they could be be developed further to increase their capabilities, namely fighting submarines," he said.

Santoso said that the purchase of the three maritime patrol aircraft, which were valued at US$80 million, constituted the first part of six aircraft the TNI AL was planning to buy.

These planes were included in the TNI AL`s 2010 - 2014 strategic plan and were intended to replace the navy`s Nomads."Ideally, the TNI AL has 16 maritime patrol aircraft up to 2014," he said.

New Toys

The Jakarta Post, Mon, 12/07/2009 5:53 PM

Members of the Indonesian Marine Corps and their South Korean counterparts monitor amphibious vehicles granted by the South Korean government to Indonesia, on Monday at Tanjung Priok. South Korea donated 30 landing vehicles (LVT-7A1) to Indonesia. (Antara/ Saptono)

RI to purchase trainer, attack aircraft from Russia, China

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Fri, 11/13/2009 8:58 AM

Indonesia will purchase new trainer/light attack aircraft from Russia and China as part of an effort to revitalize its primary defense system, says newly sworn-in Air Force chief of staff Vice Marshal Imam Safaat.

He said the new jets, consisting the Yak-130 from Russia and the FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle from China, would replace the squadrons of British Hawk Mk-53 jets and American OV-10 Bronco.

The Air Force has 20 Hawk Mk-53, and eight turboprop-driven OV-10 Bronco aircraft that are around 30 years old.

“We plan to replace them in the next couple of years. We have done feasibility studies for the purchases, and will propose them to the government soon,” Imam said after the handover ceremony at Halim Perdanakusumah Air Force Base in East Jakarta. Imam replaced Marshal Subandrio.

It would be the first time Indonesia purchases warplanes from China and the second from Russia after the United States embargoed the supply of spare parts for its F-5E Tiger II and F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters and C-130 Hercules transport planes in 1999 due to human rights abuses mainly East Timor.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman, Rear Marshal Sagom Tamboen said the reshuffle in the Air Force leadership was conducted to improve its professionalism through the regeneration of leaders.

Sagom added the new Air Force chief was assigned to boost the country’s air defense system by increasing the quality of aircraft and equipment.

“It is our mission to reduce accidents during training and operational work conducted by Air Force personnel to zero,” he said.

Iman said the military aircraft had to be replaced soon because the Air Force had used the existing planes for more than 30 years.

Imam said further that the Indonesian Military had also planned to replace the old F-5E Tiger II jets.

“We expect to replace them by 2013,” he told The Jakarta Post.

Imam declined to mention the prices of the new aircraft, saying he had not yet discussed it with the government.

“They are expensive,” he said, adding the aircraft would be purchased using foreign aid.

Indonesia bought three Sukhoi fighter jets in February this year to strengthen aerial defense following a series of deadly accidents caused by outdated military aircraft.

The country now has seven Sukhoi-type fighters, all of which were purchased from Russia through a credit scheme. Three more are expected later this year.

Indonesia purchased the seven fighter jets from Russia through the seven-year credit scheme at a total price of US$335 million, but does not have to start making payments for five years.

TNI chief Gen. Djoko Santoso said the Air Force would focus on increasing the operational quality of its basic equipment and maintenance.

“That includes the improvement of the Air Force’s radar systems and air control power,” he said.

Sagom said the Air Force would also focus on improving personnel welfare, despite its limited budget, in addition to increasing safety standards for its primary weaponry defense system.

Sagom added that 70 percent of the Air Force’s budget was geared toward the welfare of personnel. The other 30 percent was for the maintenance of equipment and spare parts.

He said the Air Force budget was expected to increase to between Rp 5 trillion ($531.6 million) and Rp 7 trillion next year, up from Rp 4 trillion this year. (nia)

Indonesia Rejects Gift of Mirage Airplanes

Friday, 20 March, 2009 | 17:23 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Indonesia has a gift of one squadron of Mirage combat airplanes from Qatar. According to Defense Minister, Juwono Sudarsono, the offer was rejected because of the limited budget available for their maintenance. “The gift is fine, but the maintenance is costly,” he said in his office yesterday.

The offer was made verbally by the Indonesian Ambassador in Qatar, Rozy Munir, six months ago. According to Juwono, all he needed was for him to send a letter to the Qatar Defense Minister.

At a glance, Juwono said, the eight-year old French airplanes would need high maintenance cost. Meanwhile, the budget of the Defense Department and that of the Indonesian Armed Forces’ budget could not afford such an expense. Moreover, they are currently focusing on the maintenance of cargo planes, such as the Hercules. Juwono added that the gift grant did not mean no costs would be involved. “There would still be costs, like mediator fees,” he said.

The Defense Department refused the offer for other considerations as well. According to Juwono, two problems would occur if the offer was accepted: the budget and the additional burden on the air hitter system, creating chaos to the existing system. The Indonesian Air Force currently owns American F-5 and F-16 combat planes and Russian Sukhois.

In terms of air strike capability, Juwono said, more important is the kind of deterrence technology. Quantitatively, we may not have enough airplanes. “That is why we bought the Sukhoi, even though they are expensive,” he said. Hence, our defensive system is still on a par with Singapore’s, particularly if they buy 24 F-15 airplanes next year.

According to Juwono, the Indonesian Air Force was initially interested in the offer from Qatar. However, the problem would arise in the allocation as well as in the availability of spare parts. “We must be certain the spare part manufacturer will still exist. They could well be extinct,” he said.