Build on Indonesian Navy's Second PKR 10514 Frigate to Start in Next 3 Months

In accordance with the agreed planning in the contract for the construction of a Damen SIGMA Frigate for the Indonesian Navy, the keellaying ceremony has taken place on 16 April 2014 at the PT PAL (Persero) Shipyard in Surabaya, Indonesia.The construction of the 4 modules that are going to be built at PT PAL (Persero) Shipyard Surabaya and the two modules that are being built in Vlissingen, are proceeding according to schedule.The construction and testing of the modules simultaneously at two different locations signifies the unique Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding modular building strategy that is unparalleled in the naval shipbuilding industry. All modules will be assembled at the PT PAL (Persero) Shipyard under main contractorship of Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding followed by Harbour Acceptance Tests and Sea Acceptance Trials.

Second Frigate

Furthermore, the progress for the second SIGMA 10514 PKR frigate, for which the contract was signed 14 February 2013, proceeds as scheduled and construction is foreseen to start in approximately 3 months.

Expanding Indonesian Navy

The acquisition of the SIGMA 10514 PKR Frigate is part of the further modernization and expansion of the Indonesian Navy, TNI-AL. The main missions and tasks of the SIGMA PKR 10514 will be in the domains of naval warfare as well as Maritime Security missions and tasks. Also, the ship may be used for humanitarian support tasks.


http://www.damennaval.com/nl/news.htm?item=39

Indonesia Interested in Russian Submarine "Amur-1650"

Indonesian Navy Command interested Russian diesel-electric submarines of the "Amur-1650". On this, as reported by ITAR-TASS news agency , said the director of "Rosoboronexport" roving Nicholas Dimidyuk. According to him, the Indonesian delegation announced its interest during the inspection of the Russian exposition at the international exhibition DSA-2014 in Malaysia. Do you plan to Indonesian military to begin negotiations for the purchase of ships, is not specified.

 Earlier, the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia led negotiations with Russia on the purchase of second-hand submarines of Project 877 "Halibut". These ships Russia has offered the Indonesian military in August 2013. Later Indonesia declared refusal from the purchase of submarines since the military did not satisfy their technical condition. If Indonesia decides to purchase new Russian submarines, they will be supplied as part of an export credit of one billion dollars, issued by Moscow Jakarta in 2007. On the resources of the loan, Indonesia planned to buy Mi-17, Mi-35M, infantry fighting vehicles BMP-3F and submarines of Project 877 "Halibut". Part of the equipment was purchased by Jakarta, but the contract for the supply of submarines has not been signed

First Four F-16C Regeneration will be Delivered to Indonesia in July 2014

April 4-5, Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia visited Hill Air Force Base to receive a program status briefing from the F-16 International Branch and a Depot Production Line status briefing from 573rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.Putu Dunia was able to tour the F-16 production line where 13 Indonesia F-16C and D models are currently in various stages of repair and upgrade.

He expressed his appreciation to the men and women in the U.S. Air Force and especially those actively working the regeneration program. The aircraft were recently shipped to the depot from long-term storage at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis Monthan AFB, Ariz.During his visit, Puta Dunia observed the enormous quantity of work being accomplished to complete new cockpit wiring, Falcon Star structural modifications, bulkhead inspections and repairs, and avionics upgrades.

He also met with senior officials from the F-16 System Program Office and Ogden Air Logistics Complex.Team Hill’s leadership assured Putu Dunia of the commitment to the program to deliver high-quality aircraft to the government of Indonesia.

The first F-16 Indonesia C model aircraft is expected to begin ground and flight tests April 14-18 to enable the first ferry cell flight of four aircraft to Indonesia in July 2014. This is a major milestone in the program.


http://www.hilltoptimes.com/content/indonesia%E2%80%99s-air-force-chief-staff-visits-hill

Indonesian Navy set to have domestically built frigate in 2016

The Indonesian Navy will soon have its own domestically made frigate when the construction of the PKR 10514 guided-missile destroyer escort is completed in 2016.Navy chief of staff Adm. Marsetio led a keel laying ceremony for the PKR, which the navy classifies as a frigate, at the state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia in Surabaya on Wednesday. The warship is being built under the supervision of Dutch shipbuilder Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS).

“The PKR frigate will have the modern surface warfare capabilities being equipped with [anti-ship] Exocet missile, anti-submarine warfare with torpedoes, anti-aircraft warfare and electronic warfare,” Marsetio said after the ceremony.The new warship is the largest to be built domestically with a length of 105 meters and a width of 14 meters.Marsetio was accompanied by the Defense Ministry’s Defense Facilities Agency chief Rear Adm. Rachmat Lubis, Dutch Ambassador to Jakarta Tjeerd F de Zwan, and DSNS CEO Hen van Ameijden.

The Defense Ministry ordered two PKR 10514s with a contract of US$220 million. The first steel cutting was conducted  in January to mark the start of the frigate construction.Rachmat said the contract already covered training for PT PAL’s engineers both at home and in the Netherlands and weaponry for the frigates, which must include domestically made weapon systems.

“Initially the warship was to be fully built abroad but after some 175 discussions, it was agreed that the production would be conducted jointly with PT PAL,” he said.The construction is divided into six modules, of which four would be built at PT PAL’s facility while the remaining two, engine and bridge, would be built in Vlissingen.



http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/04/17/indonesian-navy-set-have-domestically-built-frigate-2016.html

Details of Indonesia's New Stealthy Missile Patrol Craft Revealed

PT Lundin Klewang class FAC-M (photo : Audrey)

The Indonesian Navy's (TNI-AL's) new 63 m Klewang-class missile patrol craft will feature radar with wider coverage, missiles with longer range and a hull made from a new composite material.

The information was revealed by Peter Carlqvist, head of Saab Indonesia, in an interview with IHS Jane's at the DSA 2014 exhibition on 15 April. The company recently secured an exclusive agreement with Indonesian shipbuilder PT Lundin (North Sea Boats) to jointly build a replacement for the first-of-class KRI Klewang , which was destroyed in a September 2012 fire.

The wave-piercing trimaran will feature Saab's new Sea Giraffe 1X 3D compact radar that will be installed higher on the vessel's mast to increase coverage.



http://www.janes.com/article/36712/dsa-2014-details-of-indonesia-s-new-stealthy-missile-patrol-craft-revealed

Indonesia plans to deploy in the South China Sea, Su-27 and Su-30

Janes

The Indonesian Air Force (Tentera Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU) is planning to upgrade its airbase at Ranai on Riau Island so it can be used by Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 fighter aircraft, the base's commander said on 27 March.Lieutenant Colonel Andri Gandy also revealed that upgrade work had recently been completed at the airbase, including the installation of runway lights, taxiway lights and integrated radar. The TNI-AU also plans to extend the length of the runway, which is currently 2.5 km long.

The new facilities will include hangars on the western part of the airbase and are being installed with the long-term goal of permanently deploying a squadron of Sukhoi fighter aircraft on the Natuna Islands.The TNI-AU operates a mix of Su-27SK and Su-30MKs, with additional orders expected. The aircraft would join four Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters - a deployment that was separately announced on the same day by Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) Chief of Staff General Budiman.

Fajru Zaini, Indonesia's deputy coordinating minister for politics, law and peace, described the prospective Sukhoi deployment to Natuna as being a part of Jakarta's aim to develop a 'Minimum Essential Force (MEF)'. The concept, introduced by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2005, aims to establish the nature and minimum scale of military capabilities that Indonesia should seek to deploy in response to a strategic threat.

Indonesian Armed Forces plans to expand its presence in the area as a counter to instability in the South China Sea. The Natuna Islands, with a total land area of 2,631 km 2 , sit on Indonesia's maritime borders with Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam at the southern tip of the South China Sea.Although Indonesia is not involved in the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea over the Paracel and Spratly islands, Beijing's declared 'nine-dashed-line' overlaps with Jakarta's claim to an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Natuna Islands region. The Natuna Sea has one of the world's largest gas fields, containing an estimated 46 trillion ft 3 (1.3 trillion m 3 ) of natural gas and condensates. The nine-dashed line is a demarcation used by China to define its claims to parts of the South China Sea.

http://www.janes.com/article/36214/indonesia-to-station-su-27-su-30s-on-south-china-sea-islands

Indonesian army starts training for Apache`s pilot

Wikipedia

Indonesia has started training pilots to fly the Apache AH-64E, the combat helicopters that were bought from the United States. The helicopters are slated for delivery in 2017.

Indonesia had bought eight Apache helicopters of the type AH-64E from the United States as part of the program to strengthen the nations primary weapons defense system.The United States will lend a few Apache helicopters to train the Indonesian pilots.

Half of the Apache helicopters that were bought would be placed in Natuna Islands, while the others will be stationed in Jakarta.

Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) orders a new Stealth Fast Missile Patrol Vessel Trimaran

The new 63 m Stealth Fast Missile Patrol Vessel for TNI-AL - “ KRI Klewang ”
(picture: North Sea Boats)

According to Indonesian media JakartaGreater, citing the Chief of Indonesian Navy, a new 63 meters Stealth Fast Missile Patrol Vessel (FMPV) trimaran will be ordered from shipbuilder North Sea Boats (PT Lundin).

According to Indonesian media JakartaGreater, citing the Chief of Indonesian Navy, a new 63 meters Stealth Fast Missile Patrol Vessel (FMPV) trimaran will be ordered from shipbuilder North Sea Boats (PT Lundin).The Fast Missile Patrol Vessel (FMPV) was officialy launched on Friday 31st August, 2012 at PT Lundin’s shipyard facility in Banyuwangi, East Java.

In 2009 PT Lundin signed a contract to build a one of the most advanced “stealth” warships for TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy). This was the result of an intensive Research and Development programme conducted by PT Lundin Industry Invest (North Sea Boats) and TNI-AL that commenced in 2007. Construction commenced in early 2010 and the trimaran was officialy launched on Friday 31st August, 2012 at PT Lundin’s shipyard facility in Banyuwangi, East Java.


The first vessel, KRI Klewang-625, was destroyed in a fire in September 2012 shortly after its launch.

“ KRI Klewang ” trimaran on fire
(picture: Internet)

Indonesia and Turkey to develop medium tank

http://www.pindad.com

An agreement to jointly develop a new medium tank was signed between the Indonesian and Turkish governments in Jakarta, Indonesia.The new medium tank will be of a conventional design, fitted with a turret armed with a 105 mm rifled gun and 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun (MG) coupled to a computerised fire control system. For ease of deployment in Indonesia it is expected to have a combat weight of about 25 tonnes.

Turkish company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri will work with local company PT Pindad to develop the tank for the Indonesian Army.

Indonesia sets a date of June to operate squadron of F16 jets at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru

The Indonesian Air Force has set a target of June 2014 to make a squadron of 24 F16 fighter jets operational at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in the Riau provincial capital of Pekanbaru of June 2014. "The construction of facilities at the air base is currently 90 percent complete." Commander of the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base Col. Andyawan stated on Wednesday.The Air Force plans to station 24 fighter jets granted by the US at the air base. The construction of facilities for the squadron of F16 fighter jets comprising hangar, fighter jet maintenance unit, and arsenal are now in the final phase, he remarked. He pointed out that the presence of the new fighter jets will strengthen the existing armament system of the air base, which currently operates Hawk jet fighters.

Indonesia has ordered Rheinmetall-made Oerlikon Skyshield air defence system

In recent weeks Rheinmetall has won major orders in the field of military air defence. Indonesia and a European nation have ordered air defence products for air force and naval applications which, together with accompanying services, are worth a total of about €50 million.

Indonesia has opted to expand its existing Rheinmetall-made Oerlikon Skyshield air defence systems with a follow-on order for Skyshield fire units. Worth over €38 million, the contract includes training and logistical services for the Indonesian armed forces. The delivery period extends through to the end of 2015.

Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading makers of sophisticated short-range air defence systems. It is the market leader in cannon-based air defence, and the only single-source system supplier of fire control technology, automatic cannon, integrated guided missile launchers and the Group’s proprietary Ahead ammunition.

With its tried-and-tested 35mm Skyshield technology, Rheinmetall has set an internationally unsurpassed standard for excellence, especially when it comes to protecting public venues and critical civilian infrastructure from terrorist threats.Skyshield air defence system is a modular, light weight, Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) system developed by the Swiss corporation Oerlikon Contraves (now a subsidiary of Rheinmetall of Germany).

The weapons system itself consists of two 35 mm (1.38 inch) Revolver Cannons with a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute, a Fire Control System made up of a sensor unit and a detached command post. The Skyshield can also use up to two surface-to-air missile 8-cell modules for an expanded air defense capability. The Skyshield is designed for traditional anti-aircraft roles in addition to defense against missiles.

Indonesian Air Force Draws Up Shopping List

Boasting one of the fastest growing economies in the world is allowing Indonesia to invest much-needed funds in its military. After years of stagnation caused by the 1997 financial crisis, leading to most of Indonesia’s military acquisition programs being cancelled, the situation deteriorated further when the U.S. imposed an arms embargo in 1999 that lasted until 2005.The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) entered into only one major acquisition program during that period, procuring Su-27 and Su-30 Flankers from Russia to bolster its aging fighter fleet. The TNI-AU had never ordered Russian aircraft after the failed communist coup in 1965 but it was left with no option after Western companies stuck to the arms embargo.

This deal led to a pair of Su-27SKs and two Su-30MKs being delivered to SkU 11 [Skadron Udara (SkU)–air squadron] at Hasanuddin, Sulawesi, in August/September 2003, followed by three Su-30MK2s in late-2008/early-2009 and a trio of Su-27SKM variants in 2010.With military budgets set every five years, the armed forces are now drawing up a shopping list for 2015-19. Local industry, particularly PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), will play a major part in how this money is spent. The past 15 years has not been kind to the company; it was hit massively by the 1997 crisis. However, in July 2011, EADS-Airbus Military signed a strategic collaboration with PTDI to assist with revitalizing Indonesia’s national aerospace industry, mainly by growing PTDI’s manufacturing output. The two companies enjoy a long-standing manufacturing relationship, which goes back to the days of CASA and PTDI’s predecessor: IPTN.

While PTDI is an important supplier of the C212 and CN 235 light/medium transport and surveillance aircraft to Airbus Military, it also works closely with another EADS company, Eurocopter. In July 2011, Eurocopter signed a new teaming agreement with PTDI consisting of industrial cooperation as well as marketing Eurocopter products to the Indonesian government for use in the domestic market. The partnership between the two companies began 35 years ago, and has seen some 130 BO-105s, 11 SA330s and 20 AS332 Super Pumas built under license production at Bandung. An assembly line was set up for the Super Puma in 2008, integrating PTDI into Eurocopter’s global supply chain.Some believe PTDI does not provide the military value for money, but nonetheless it will become a major benefactor from the 2015-19 budgets, even if the fighters will take much of the money as they did in the previous five years.

Fighters

After the initial acquisition of nine Flankers, the Indonesian MOD signed a $470 million contract with JSC Rosoboronexport on Dec. 29, 2011, for six more Su-30MK2s, delivered in February, May and September 2013. A close source has told AIN that the Russian aircraft have been “troublesome,” with usual issues concerning spares.After the OV-10 Broncos were withdrawn from use several years ago, the TNI-AU (Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara–Indonesian Air Force) was left with no close-air-support aircraft until eight Embraer Super Tucanos were ordered in November 2010. The first four were handed over to SkU 21 at Abdulrachmen Saleh (Mulang) during the third quarter of 2012 following a ceremony in Brazil on Aug. 6, 2012. A contract for a second batch of eight aircraft was announced on July 10, 2012, with deliveries expected in 2014.

In May 2011, the TNI-AU ordered 16 Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) T-50Is in a $400 million deal, with the first two being delivered on Sept. 11, 2013. All 16 were to have been delivered by the end of 2013, but delays meant that only 10 had been delivered by then and the rest should have arrived before the Singapore show started. The T-50Is, fitted with gun and weapons pylons, will eventually replace the Hawk Mk 53s of SkU 15. Six have been delivered in the colors of Elang Biru, the TNI-AU’s jet aerobatic team.A $750 million FMS deal to acquire 24 upgraded F-16 Block 32IDs was agreed with the U.S. government in November 2011. The contract comprises 19 single-seaters and five dual-seaters, with the first four aircraft due in mid-2014, followed by four every three months. Work on the jets is under way at Ogden Air Logistics Center, Utah, where a TNI-AU Project Office comprising six people has been set up. The aircraft will be delivered initially to SkU 16, based at Madiun-Iswahyudi, until the infrastructure at Pekanbaru is ready. Their arrival will allow the aging fleet of six F-16As and three F-16B Block 15s to go through a Falcon Up upgrade. The F-16s have suffered spares shortages in recent years, but these issues have not been limited to F-16s.

The fleet of 33 multi-role Hawk 109/209s delivered to SkU 1 at Pontiniak and SkU 12 at Pekanbaru in the mid-’90s has been hit particularly hard, especially with issues stemming from the Adour Mk 871 engines.The fleet of 11 F-5s that was upgraded by SABCA (now Belgian Aerospace) in the late-1990s was grounded twice during 2013. Even if spares problems are resolved, the veteran fighter will soldier on only until 2018, so funds are likely to be earmarked for a replacement in the 2015-19 budget. One solution was the new K-FX (Korean fighter) program the Indonesians were jointly developing with Korea. However, in late 2012 the South Korean government put an 18-month hold on this $8 billion project that should have led to 50 K-FXs being delivered to the TNI-AU and 200 to the ROKAF. A first batch of five was scheduled for delivery to Indonesia in 2020, but the project is more likely to be cancelled. As a result, the money is being spent overhauling nine C-130Hs acquired free of charge from the Royal Australian Air Force and buying six CASA 295s for a special-mission fit.There is speculation the TNI-AU could now acquire former USAF F-15s to replace the F-5s, while RFIs have also been sent to Saab (Gripen), Dassault (Rafale) and Eurofighter.

Surveillance

With some 17,000 islands making up the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia needs to maintain a modern airborne maritime surveillance fleet in a bid to confront increasing threats from pirates, smugglers and terrorists. This led the TNI-AU to order another much needed CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) in 2012, with a Telephonics system and Star Safire HDI FLIR turret. Delivery is expected in 2015. The order comes six years after the first and only MPA was delivered to SkU 5 at Madassar.An initial requirement for three MPAs led to a contract being signed with Thales in 1996, but a single aircraft was delivered, with an AMASCOS 200 system, and the other two remained as basic transport aircraft with SkU 5. With obsolescence now creeping in, PTDI has been contracted to replace the Thales Oceanmaster radar with Telephonics’ AN/APS 143C3 maritime radar.

There is also an urgent requirement for a SIGINT platform, which could be purchased during the next five-year budget plan, in 2015-19. It is likely one of the CASA 212s serving the TNI-AU will be upgraded with new systems. The three aging Boeing 737-200 Surveiller Side-Looking Airborne Modular Multi-mission Radar (SLAMMR) aircraft are in desperate need of replacement, and speculation is the TNI-AU will go for an increased number of CN 235-220s with SIGINT systems on board to replace them.

Transports

The TNI-AU relies predominantly on PTDI for its medium-to-small airlift needs. Five CN 235s operate with SkU 2 at Halim, replacing five Fokker 27s grounded in 2012 after a fatal accident. They work alongside three CASA 295s of 10 on order. There is a keen interest in acquiring special-mission systems for an additional six CASA 295s, with Texas-based ATK offering their palletized gunship system.There are currently two tactical airlift squadrons in the TNI-AU: SkU 31 at Halim-Perdanakusuma operates a mix of C-130H-30s, L100-30s and C-130H; while SKU 32 at Abdulrachman Saleh flies 10 C-130B/Hs, including two KC-130Bs tankers that represent the TNI-AU’s sole air-to-air refueling capability. With close links to Airbus Military it is likely they will be replaced by two A330MRTT hose/drogue and boom aircraft.As a result of acquiring the nine ex-RAAF C-130s, a third C-130 unit, SkU 33 will stand up at Makassar. There is a real need to provide support to the Sukhois and this should be the solution, with tactical needs in the region also being covered. It is not clear whether the new C-130s will actually be SkU 32 assets, or if they will be split among all the units.

Helicopters

Helicopter training takes place at Kalijati with SkU 7 on 50-year-old Bell 47G Soloys. These stalwarts are used by newly qualified pilots fresh from Yogyakarta for basic helicopter training. Their short-term future is secure because the unit’s EC120 Colibris are also being used to cover SAR detachments. Longer term, 12 EC135s on order will replace the operational role of the EC120, allowing it to revert to the training role for which it was acquired, and easing the Soloys into retirement.SkU 6 at Atang Senjaya near Bogor flies four of 18 Super Pumas ordered in 2000. Another three NAS332L1s with SkU 45 at Halim are being used in the VIP role alongside two Eurocopter-built AS332L2s. Also based at Atang Senjaya is SkU 8, which flies a handful of NSA330 Pumas. Six EC725s have been ordered for the Special Forces role and should be delivered in 2014-15 to a new unit, SkU 9 at Kalijati. It is not clear if they are taking up the slack that the Super Pumas failed to deliver.

Pilot Training

Pilot training is carried out at Yogyakarta with SkU 101, instructing students on the AS202 Bravos, flying 120 hours on elementary training. However, the Bravo’s days are expected to end within the next few years, as the TNI-AU ordered 18 Grob G120TPs in 2012. The first batch of 10 aircraft was delivered in 2013, and a further batch of eight are to arrive in 2014. Modernization of the Flying Training Academy got under way in 2003 when SkU 102 took delivery of 16 KT-1T Woongbees for instructor training. Longer term there is also a need for a basic trainer replacement.
The next five-year budget, for 2015-2019, will be set in mid-2014 and projects such as airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), tankers, new fighters, SIGINT aircraft as well as new weaponry are all under review. It is unlikely the Russians will figure highly in any future acquisition.

Indonesian Defense Ministry looking to replace aging F-5 tiger fighter aircraft

The Indonesian Defense Ministry announced its plan to replace the F-5 Tiger fighter aircraft with the latest generation of jet fighters such as the Russian Sukhoi Su-35."We have received proposals from several jet fighter manufacturers for replacing the F-5 Tiger fighter aircraft. We are in the process of evaluating which jet fighter will best suit our requirements, whether the aircraft is from Russia, USA, or other countries," stated Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

Purnomo spoke about the plan after holding a meeting with Indonesian Military Commander General Moeldoko and Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshall Ida Bagus Putu Dunia.The minister pointed out that they have at least 5 to 6 options of jet fighters to replace the aging F-5 Tiger fighter aircraft, which has been in service for over three decades.He urged several officers to weigh all their available options to zero down upon which jet fighter meets the specifications to replace the "Tiger".
The minister hoped that the officers can arrive at a decision soon, so that the requisition plan can be included in Indonesias Strategic Plan II 2015 to 2020.

Meanwhile, General Moeldoko remarked that the Indonesian Air Force has conducted a study on several jet fighters such as the Russian Sukhoi Su-35, the American F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the Swedish Fighter SAAB JAS 39 Gripen."We are still evaluating the options. It depends on Indonesias financial position," Moeldoko stated.Ida noted that the Indonesian Air Force is willing to have a squadron of 16 new jet fighters to replace the aging F-5 Tiger.

New F-16 squadron in Pekanbaru to start operating next year for Indonesian Air Force

 

Pekanbaru, Riau  - A new squadron of F16 fighter jets at the Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Riau province, is expected to start operating in one year, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal B Putu Dunia said.

The squadron is expected to play an important role in keeping the Unitary Republic of Indonesia, particularly its border areas, intact, he said after a ceremony marking the conclusion of an Indonesia-Singapore joint military exercise on Friday.

"The planes will be new," he added.

He didn't mean the number of the new F-16 squadron based in Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base. So far Indonesian Air Force has only one F-16 squadron (3rd Squadron) in Iswahyudi Air Force Base in East Java.

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

In addition, the squadron will also strengthen the country's air security, he said, adding that the growing Indonesian economy must be supported by reliable military strength.

He noted that the squadron of F16 fighter jets of Block 52 in Pekanbaru would be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons.

The addition of 24 US-made F16 planes 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 Hawk 100/200 planes, he added.

United States government agree to sell AH-64 Apache attack helicopters to Indonesia

Indonesia obtained approval from U. S. government on its proposal to acquire AH-64 Apache combat helicopters with procurement document signed by Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

"Thanks to the American government, they allow us to have the Apaches. Indonesia is thinking to build the Apache squadron in the future," Purnomo told a joint press conference held in his ministry on the sidelines of his bilateral meeting with Chuck Hagel. He added that for initial phase, Indonesia planned to build one squadron of AH 64 Apache helicopters for the Army.

The Indonesian defense minister said that the planned procurement on Apache attack helicopters was part of the country's plan to modernize its arm forces.

In its military modernization plan, Indonesia has procured Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 Flanker fighter jets from Russia, Leopard Main Battle Tanks from Germany, anti-insurgency planes Tucano from Brazil, trainer planes from South Korea and is now expecting delivery of 24 F-16 used planes grant from U.S and four C-130 Hercules military cargo planes from Australia.

During his bilateral meeting with Hagel, Purnono discussed development of global issues, bilateral defense relations and preparing materials for the upcoming high profile ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus 8 slated for Wednesday in Brunei.

"We also discussed plans to set up Defense Institution for Reform Initiative where Indonesia and U.S. would share together, with U.S. would bring us the reform initiatives in defense sector, " Purnomo said.

The minister also said that Indonesia and U.S. will co-host Counter Terrorism Exercise (CTX) scheduled from Sept. 5 to 13 in Indonesia peacekeeping forces training center located in Sentul, West Java. The event would be participated by 18 countries.

Before his meeting with Purnomo, Chuck Hagel who arrived in Indonesian capital on Monday, made a courtesy visit to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in presidential palace.