New F-16 Squadron to Start Operating Next Year in Pekanbaru

Air Force Chief-of-Staff Marshal B. Putu Dunia said, a new F-16 jet fighter squadron to be based at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force in Pekanbaru, Riau province, is expected to start operating in one year.

“The squadron is expected to play an important role in keeping the Unitary Republic of Indonesia, particularly its borders areas intact,” said Marshal Putu Dunia as quoted by news agency Antara (11/15/2013).

Currently the Indonesian Air Force has only one F-16 squadron (3rd Squadron) based in Iswahyudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java. The F-16 Fighting Falcons of the Iswahyudi AFB 3rd Squadron, has been strengthening the IAF since 1990.

Colonel Andyawan, Commander of the Roesmin Nujardin Air Base, earlier said, the presence of the squadron meant to deter infiltrators in aerial vehicles.

He added, the squadron of F-16 supersonic fighter jets of Block 52 in the Pekanbaru AFB are equipped with the state-of-the-art weapons.

He further added, these 24 additional US-made F-16 jets is part of the Air Force’s program to revitalize its fighter jet fleet at the Indonesian Air Force Base of type B, which currently has a squadron of British-made Hawk 100/200 aircraft.

  ♞ Angkasa