F-16A Fighting Falcon. (Photo: USAF)June 22, 2011, Jakarta (TEMPO Interactive): The Ministry of Defence to ensure no more about grant offer of 24 aircraft of the F16-A former United States. "It's no problem. Council is to America and went to the Congress and they already know," said Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro after a closed meeting with House Commission I, Wednesday, June 22, 2011.
He asserted that the previous budget was prepared to buy new planes will now be used to upgrade 24 aircraft used to grant F16 engine block 32 and 10 aircraft owned by Indonesia. "Parliament is only suggested for prudence."
Purnomo said the grant is not necessarily the aircraft was able to come to Indonesia earlier this year because at least one year in upgrading aircraft only capable of three to five units. "Gradually the future, at least five aircraft a year. So, it took four years." he said. "The payment will also depend on the in-upgrading," he said.
Previously, military observers Jaleswari Pramodhawardani said there are some things that should be criticized in the grant. First, the government must first determine whether the provision of spare parts and maintenance is a package with the F16-24 grant to the former. Governments are also requested to ensure to-24 fleet was in great condition.
What also must be considered the government, said Jaleswari, is a variant of defense equipment. Diversity defense equipment that does not benefit Indonesia. While many things to consider before accepting a grant Americans, still considers bid Jaleswari 24 F16 former is much more precise than the government buying new fighter aircraft.
