Indonesian Aero News

[Ananda]

Ananda, something that just occured to me to ask. After independence for Indonesia, did Dutch military advisors stay on to assist the Indonesian armed forces, they way British, Australian and New Zealand advisors and personnel on secondment did for Malaysia?

Only very short period of times when Indonesia being called Republic of Indonesian States. After that mostly enggage with western privateers as unofficial advisors and some G toG military cooperations with India. By second half of 50's especially when Soekarno being more hostiles to Dutch (on papua matters) and Brits (on Malayan matters), the advisors mostly Chinese and Russian plus Chech and Poland.

 

[STURM]

Only very short period of times when Indonesia being called Republic of Indonesian States. After that mostly enggage with western privateers as unofficial advisors and some G toG military cooperations with India. By second half of 50's especially when Soekarno being more hostiles to Dutch (on papua matters) and Brits (on Malayan matters), the advisors mostly Chinese and Russian plus Chech and Poland.

And Kopassus had 3 Yugoslav jump instructors, Ken Conboy has a photo of them in his book. Thanks.

 

[Ananda]

1 of 5 KFX Prototypes will be build in Indonesia

From Tempo Interaktif with Google Translate:

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta - Indonesia-South Korea cooperation in the development of fighter jet manufacturing industry continues. Project financing is a division of South Korea's 80 percent and 20 percent of Indonesia is scheduled to make five prototype jet fighter KF-X/IF-X, multimission fighter 4.5 generation.

"Four prototype for Korea and one for us (Indonesia)," said Director of Defense Industrial Technology, DG Pothan, Ministry of Defence, Brigadier-General TNI Agus Suyarso, the Defence Industry Seminar in Building Antara, Jakarta, Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

With the composition of total financing is 80:20, meaning that the government only contributed U.S. $ 1.01 billion, or about 10.1 trillion of the total cost of U.S. $ 5.05 billion. This project will last for 10 years, precisely 2020. "If plan for 250 aircraft, 200 for them, 50 for us," he said.

It's not clear yet if the Indonesian Prototype will be build in DI facility or DI will only conduct final assambly for the Indonesian prototype.

Seems even though it's not official yet, the prototype seems more and more indicated to be geared to twin engine versions like the picture below.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

The Indonesian government has signed the contract for 16 T-50 on 25 Mei worth $400.000.000. South-korea will deliver them in 2013.

In Bahasa Indonesia
Korsel Bikin Jet Tempur Pesanan Indonesia - KOMPAS.com

 

[Ananda]

From Flight Global:

Indonesia has placed a $400 million order for 16 Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle advanced jet trainers, the type's first export sale.

The Indonesian Defense Ministry signed the deal on Wednesday, said Enes Park, executive vice president of KAI. The contract stipulates that the aircraft must be delivered 18 months after the signing of a loan agreement between the South Korean and Indonesian governments.

The announcement follows a 12 April letter the Indonesian government sent to KAI designating the South Korean firm as the preferred bidder to replace Indonesia's BAE Systems Hawk 53s. The letter all but sealed the fate of the T-50's rivals in the competition, the Aero Vodochody L-159 and Yakovlev Yak-130.

The 16 General Electric F404-powered aircraft will be produced at the KAI facilities in Sacheon, South Korea. They will shipped to Indonesia partially disassembled, where Indonesia state aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace (IAe) will reassemble them.

"The aircraft is certainly capable of being ferried, but transporting them meets Indonesian industrial regulations," says Park. "(Re-assembling) the aircraft will help them improve their capabilities."
Despite the best efforts of KAI and the South Korean government, theT-50 lost trainer competitions in both the United Arab Emirates and Singapore to the Alenia Aermacchi M-346.

The T-50 will again square off against its rival in Israel and the USA. In 2012, the Israeli Air Force will decide between the T-50 and M-346 to replaces its Douglas A-4 Skyhawk trainers. In early May, Alenia Aermacchi general manager Alessandra Franzoni said America's T-X competition to replace the 1960s era Northrop T-38C will be a two horse race between the T-50 and M-346.

Park adds that there could be a possibility of selling Indonesia the T-50's combat variant, the F/A-50. "While there have been no concrete discussions on this, there is a distinct possibility of this in the future."

With DI got the job for re-assemble the T-50, is part of ToT by KAI. The unconfirmed sources from DI also stated that the assemble job was part of KAI offered for later on join deal for F/A-50 for F-5 replacement deal.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

So, we have ordered 16 T-50 basic advanced trainer version airplanes. That means without the AN/APG-67 radar and without the three-barrel version of the M61A1? Does it aslo means that the TNI-AU is not able to use its AIM-9 and AGM-65 missiles on the T-50?

 

[Ananda]

So, we have ordered 16 T-50 basic advanced trainer version airplanes. That means without the AN/APG-67 radar and without the three-barrel version of the M61A1? Does it aslo means that the TNI-AU is not able to use its AIM-9 and AGM-65 missiles on the T-50?

In the interview with Angkasa magazine, Air Force Chief Imam Sufaat already mentioned that the T-50 will be armed, thus according to KAI Specification the armed T-50 is T/A-50. Unofficially the KAI sources already mentioned the export to Indonesia will be T/A-50.

HIstorically no advance trainer in TNI-AU was unarmed versions. The Hawk Mk 53 wired for sidewinder and have DEFA 30 mm pod. Even the old Aero L-29 also armed (can see that on Air Force museum in Jogja.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

In the interview with Angkasa magazine, Air Force Chief Imam Sufaat already mentioned that the T-50 will be armed, thus according to KAI Specification the armed T-50 is T/A-50. Unofficially the KAI sources already mentioned the export to Indonesia will be T/A-50.

HIstorically no advance trainer in TNI-AU was unarmed versions. The Hawk Mk 53 wired for sidewinder and have DEFA 30 mm pod. Even the old Aero L-29 also armed (can see that on Air Force museum in Jogja.

Thanks, there is also this article about the acquisition of the T-50.

Indonesia Orders 16 T-50s From Korea Aerospace
May 27, 2011

By Bradley Perrett

SEOUL — Korea Aerospace Industries will deliver 16 T-50 Golden Eagle supersonic trainers to Indonesia in 2013 under a $400 million contract.

Although not announced as such, the version to be built for Indonesia is evidently the TA-50, which can be used as an attack aircraft. The official says the aircraft will have a gun and weapons pylons, features of the TA-50.

Complete article at Indonesia Orders 16 T-50s From Korea Aerospace | AVIATION WEEK

Taken from Indonesia Orders 16 T-50s From Korea Aerospace | AVIATION WEEK

 

[Ananda]

F-16 will replace the F-5

From Suara Merdeka online with Google translate:

Bandung, CyberNews. One squadron of fighter aircraft F-5 Tiger owned by the Air Force would soon be replaced type fighter with the ability to better the F-16 from the United States.

Similarly, the Air Force Operations Command I, Dede Young Marshal TNI Rusamsi after sertijab Danlanud Husein Sastranegara of Col. Asep Adang Supriyadi Pilot to Pilot Col. Omar Sugeng Hariyono in Bandung, on Tuesday (7 / 6). "Currently the process of replacing the F-5 by F-16 is being conducted. Negotiation is running, and his team just returned from the U.S.," he said.

During this time, the strength of the F-5 Tiger Force which is a fighter plane made in 1978 was placed at the Air Squadron 14 Lanud Iswahjudi, Madison. "The plan is a squadron of F-16 to replaced, the Air Force Headquarters later explaining," he said.

It's a confirmation of good logical move that will for some time confirm TNI-AU move to standardise it's Primary Fighting force to SU27/30 and F-16. At least this reduce the types from previous 3 to only 2.

 

[ADMk2]

From Suara Merdeka online with Google translate:



It's a confirmation of good logical move that will for some time confirm TNI-AU move to standardise it's Primary Fighting force to SU27/30 and F-16. At least this reduce the types from previous 3 to only 2.

Here's hoping Indonesia can afford to buy either Block 50/52's or earlier versions and upgrade them to the latest standard and properly support them in-service with an appropriate logistics, training and weapons package to enable Indonesia to extract the most capability out of these assets.

It shold be obvious that mere possession of a particular platform alone is not the solution to defending a country. Without the enablers of modern capability, it doesn't really matter what the platform is, but with a Block 50/52 standard, Indonesia would be gaining a no-nonsense world class capability, that would provide great capability for her nation, however it needs to be supported with a robust training and logistical solution behind it.

That's where most of the "capability" comes from.

 

[Ananda]

Here's hoping Indonesia can afford to buy either Block 50/52's or earlier versions and upgrade them to the latest standard and properly support them in-service with an appropriate logistics, training and weapons package to enable Indonesia to extract the most capability out of these assets.

I don't think Indonesia will buy Block 50/52. The procurement of 24 F-16 ex USAF and plan MLU of 34 F-16 (24+10 existing) seems will be the plan for this decade plus additional Flankers.

The main reason is KFX. KFX suppose will have eq performance to the latest gen 4.5 fighters and that's included F-16 block 60. If everthing going to plan (and so far KFX still in track), that's what Indonesia will bet on next TNI-AU fighter line.

If KFX does not progress as plan, then we can see potential procurement of F-16 Block 50/52 or even Block 60.

 

[STURM]

Since entering service have the Adour engines of the Hawks ever been overhauled?
Has the TNI-AU ever expressed a desire to upgrade the Hawks?

 

[Ananda]

Since entering service have the Adour engines of the Hawks ever been overhauled?
Has the TNI-AU ever expressed a desire to upgrade the Hawks?

From what the release from TNI, seems they're going to disscused potential MLU with BAE. This also true since there are several airframes that need to be overhaul due to accident. Yesterday one of the Hawk 200 in Pekanbaru AFB have skid-off runway. Thus I believe they need to conduct MLU to those Hawks fleet to maintain their readiness. Afterall Hawk still one of the fighters that have good readiness record in TNI AU inventories.

 

[Ananda]

6 additional MI-17V

From Antara News Agency with Google Trasnlate:

Tangerang (ANTARA News) - Apron Squadron 21 Air Army Aviation Center at Pondok Cabe to witness an important event for the Indonesian military. Six helicopters Mi-17 V5 Hip-made Russian an official strengthen military ground forces, air wing.

Formally handover the sixth multi-role transport helicopter unit was witnessed by Defence Minister, Purnomo Yusgiantoro, Armed Forces Commander, Admiral Agus Suhartono, and Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Pramono Wibowo, and Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Alexander Ivanov.

Selection of Mil Mi-17 Hip-made Kazan, Russia, through the Russian state company, Rosoboronexport, is founded on the nature of the various operations that the military acted Indonesia. It was a war of military operations and military operations other than war. In Russia, the Mi-17 is also known as Mi-8 Hip and given the nickname by NATO.

Logged Mi-17 has several times landed and took off from Airport Haliwen, Atambua, NTT. The airport is only a dozen pioneering kilometers from the border with East Timor Indonesia (in Indonesian, East Timor).

"So, with the helicopter is very useful," said Yusgiantoro.

From the military side, Suhartono states, middle-class helicopter's weight can be also used for border security, both for monitoring, as well as the deployment of troops and logistics.

"The helicopter can also be used as a troop transport helicopters and assault on a certain amount for example to secure the border," he said.

The Army itself has a vision that has been echoed pemeirntah, that the strength necessary Army Aviation Centre for Mi-17 is 18 units. "We are targeting 18 Mi-17 unit based at Heli Assault Squadron 31 so that one battalion of troops can be transported at the same time," he said.

Basic calculation is, the legendary American-made helicopters States, Bell (Bell-205 and Bell-402) owned by the army less qualified for the benefit of deploying troops to the front line infantry Theater. The whole Bell's, known only able to carry a maximum of 1 / 3 the power of one infantry battalion.

"So the helicopter is very effective especially the Army more mat strength in border areas, land and mountains," says Pramod.

Ivanov is a product of war equipment his country since a few years ago bought Indonesia obviously very pleased with the Mi-17 penyerahterimaan it. Mechanism of purchasing the entire Mil, both Mi-17 or Mi-35P in the body of the Army Aviation Center using state loans to Indonesia Russia.

"Amount to 56 million U.S. dollars with a very mild conditions and favorable Indonesia because Indonesia is a good partner," he said. (R018)

Additional 6 MI-17V for Indonesian Army (TNI-AD). According to this, they plan to get 18 MI-17 for Mid-Heavy lift, while lighter tarnsport (according to other sources) will be handle by Bell 412 (which will replace older Bell). Price tag for 6 MI-17 with all spare-parts and support is USD 56 mio.

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Thanks for the article above Ananda. (What a terrible Google translation)
So with this second batch of 6 Mi-17 V5, Penerbad has now 12 Mi-17V5s?
Together with 5 Mi-35P, right?

 

[Ananda]

US Congress approved Indonesia F-16

@sandhiyudha, yes according calculation there's already 12 (of plan 18) MI-17V and 5 (of plan 8) MI-35.

From Republika.com http://www.republika.co.id/berita/n...5k-menhan-as-tetap-hibahkan-satu-skuadron-f16

US Congress already approved transferred of 30 surplus F-16 to Indonesia. According the article 24 will be active while 6 will be back-up. The transferred also included 28 engines.

The F-16 from Block 20 (according another source) that with MLU will be upgraded to Block 32 (not Block 52 according this article). With existing 10 Block 15+ that'll also being upgraded (through another program), this will provide TNI-AU with 2 full sq of F-16.

With this transfer the TNI-AU ORBAT will be:

2sq of F-16 (MLU to Block 32) as replacement for F-5 sq and upgrading existing F-16.
2 sq of Hawk 109/209 (possible MLU being discussed with BAe).
1 sq of Su-27SKK/Su-30Mk2 (now with 10 Fighters but plan to be 16 by 2012).
1 sq of T/A-50 as replacement for Hawk Mk-53.
1 sq of Super Tucano as replacement for OV-10.

Total 7 sq, with plan from Mindef and Air Force to be 10 sq by 2014. What's the additional 3 sq is not being disclosed, or if budget already being prepared for another additional 3 sq.

This 7 sq already means that TNI-AU add 1 fighter sq from previously 6. The additional sq is the Flankers. Some Politician and public groups wants the Flankers to become 4 sq., thus make the additional plan 3 sq will be all Flankers.
While the F-16 and Hawk 109/209 even with MLU will be replaced by KF-X (if that project come to fruition) by circa 2020+.

Well it's still wait and see (for the additional 3 sq).

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

@sandhiyudha, yes according calculation there's already 12 (of plan 18) MI-17V and 5 (of plan 8) MI-35.

From Republika.com Menhan: AS Tetap Hibahkan Satu Skuadron F-16 | Republika Online

US Congress already approved transferred of 30 surplus F-16 to Indonesia. According the article 24 will be active while 6 will be back-up. The transferred also included 28 engines.

The F-16 from Block 20 (according another source) that with MLU will be upgraded to Block 32 (not Block 52 according this article). With existing 10 Block 15+ that'll also being upgraded (through another program), this will provide TNI-AU with 2 full sq of F-16.

With this transfer the TNI-AU ORBAT will be:

2sq of F-16 (MLU to Block 32) as replacement for F-5 sq and upgrading existing F-16.
2 sq of Hawk 109/209 (possible MLU being discussed with BAe).
1 sq of Su-27SKK/Su-30Mk2 (now with 10 Fighters but plan to be 16 by 2012).
1 sq of T/A-50 as replacement for Hawk Mk-53.
1 sq of Super Tucano as replacement for OV-10.

Total 7 sq, with plan from Mindef and Air Force to be 10 sq by 2014. What's the additional 3 sq is not being disclosed, or if budget already being prepared for another additional 3 sq.

This 7 sq already means that TNI-AU add 1 fighter sq from previously 6. The additional sq is the Flankers. Some Politician and public groups wants the Flankers to become 4 sq., thus make the additional plan 3 sq will be all Flankers.
While the F-16 and Hawk 109/209 even with MLU will be replaced by KF-X (if that project come to fruition) by circa 2020+.

Well it's still wait and see (for the additional 3 sq).

Thanks, but the first additional Squadron is the second F-16 sq.
24 F-16s MLU to Block 32 or 52, its anyway an improvement over our existing 10 Block 15 OCUs....
(BTW what was the last squadron of the OV-10 ?)
Maybe we have to wait to ad the last three additional squadrons. Dont forget the 50 KF-X. Ten squadrons plus 50 KF-Xs would be maybe too expensive for our limited defence budget.

 

[Ananda]

Thanks, but the first additional Squadron is the second F-16 sq.
24 F-16s MLU to Block 32 or 52, its anyway an improvement over our existing 10 Block 15 OCUs....
(BTW what was the last squadron of the OV-10 ?)
Maybe we have to wait to ad the last three additional squadrons. Dont forget the 50 KF-X. Ten squadrons plus 50 KF-Xs would be maybe too expensive for our limited defence budget.

From official Airforce comunicate, the last OV 10 fly by 2007. Well, let's see the development on the budget.

 

[Xrm150]

Do you want the Indonesian air force to buy fighters, or be given fighters?

Your answer to the above question will affect my answer.

I think everyone should have to buy their own stuff....no freebies! Or atleast pay china back for us.

 

[Ananda]

USD 6.5 bio budget for new Procurement

From Kompas English Versions (using Antara News Agency Sources) : Indonesian Govt to Spend Rp60 Tln on Armaments - KOMPAS.com

Jakarta, Sept 8 (ANTARA) - The government will spend Rp60 trillion (US$6.5 billion) on the procurement of the military’s main armament system until 2014, a minister said.

The funds would be used to buy armaments which are high on the list of the government’s priorities and the armaments could hopefully be delivered before the end of the United Indonesia Cabinet II’s term of office, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said following a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Office here on Thursday.

The budget funds totaling Rp60 trillion was part of main armament system expenditure and capital spending at the Defense Ministry which would reach Rp150 trillion until 2024. "To see how we will spend the budget on armaments the President at the meeting checked directly the types of armaments item by item to be bought," he said.

Purnomo said among the armaments to be bought until 2014 would be submarines and patrol ships for the Navy, assault and combat helicopters and transport helicopters for the Army.

The Army would need more helicopters among others to transport victims of natural disasters, he said. Budget allocations for state defense would always be increased in line with the rising state budget as a result of the country’s increasingly conducive macro economic conditions.

For the next three years up until 2014, Total budget USD 6.5 bio - USD 7.0 bio (IDR 60 Trillion) will be slotted for new defense equipment procurement as part of IDR 150 Trillion (USD 17 bio - USD 17.5 bio) total Defense Budget. Around one third of that budget will be for Defense force administrative budget (IDR 50 trillion), while, IDR 100 trillion will be used for new procurement and maintenance of existing assets.

From other sources, the Ministry of Finance already secured the fund as much as IDR 100 Trillion, and still need to find another IDR 50 Trillion to secured overal IDR 150 Trillion. The ministry seems sure that they can secured all IDR 150 Trillion, with IDR 50 Trillion will be financed mostly from domestic sources.

So in the paper, the plan for 2 sq of F-16 (MLU), 1 sq of SU-27/30, 2 sq of Hawk 109/209 (MLU), 1 sq of Super Tucano, and 1 sq of F/A-50 seems secured from financing side. It's to be seen whether this additional USD 6.5 bio - USD 7.0 bio new procurement budget already included additional 3 sq of new fighters that TNI-AU wants.