The Indonesian Air Force might cancel its plan to create a new jet fighter squadron in eastern Indonesia, a high-ranking military official said on Wednesday.
“There is no need to establish a new squadron base in eastern Indonesia, as we can send our jet fighters from Hasanuddin air base,” the newly appointed Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Agus Supriatna, told reporters during an air force executive meeting in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.
Currently, the 11th Air Squadron at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base just outside Makassar, South Sulawesi, is the country's easternmost fighter squadron. The squadron is made up of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker heavy fighter jets.
Agus said establishing a new jet fighter squadron solely to be kept in eastern Indonesia would not be effective.
“The jet fighters can reach the target area faster,” he said.
Last year, the Air Force planned to establish a new squadron in eastern Indonesia. Former chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia said that the fighter squadron in eastern Indonesia was part of the Air Force’s grand design.
However he acknowledged that the government was ready in terms of facilities, infrastructure and personnel.
(The Jakarta Post)
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