Aircrafts

Indonesian Defence Minister reveals F-16 US offer

The second batch of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters offered by the United States would consist of 10 aircraft, Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said August 23. Purnomo said the offer would be discussed with the House of Representatives, as the aircraft require huge funds for upgrades. “We must also report the offer to the Cabinet which makes the final decision,” he said during an Idul Fitri gathering at the ministry.

Earlier on August 15, Purnomo revealed the second batch offer, but declined to disclose the numbers involved, while Defense Ministry’s secretary-general Vice Marshal Eris Herryanto said the second batch “would be sufficient to form another squadron”.

Currently, Indonesia has 10 F-16A/B Block 15 fighters with operational capability upgrades (OCU) at the 3rd Squadron at the Iswahjudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java. Block 15 represents the oldest model while Block 60 is the most advanced.

In addition, The Indonesian government has requested the U.S for the sale of 18 AGM-65K2 maverick missiles, to support the IAFs existing fleet of 10 F-16s, as well as the planned acquisition of up to 24 F-16s being provided from US Air Force surplus inventory. The $25 million package also includes 36 TGM-65K2 captive air training missiles and three TGM-65D maintenance training missiles.