Indonesian Air Force
Encyclopedia
The Indonesian Air Force is the air force
branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
The Indonesian Air Force has 34,930 personnel equipped with 110 combat aircraft including Su-27 and Su-30.
fighters; Martin B-10
bombers; Fokker C.X
reconnaissance floatplanes) left before the occupation by Japan in 1941.
After the Japanese surrendered at the end of WW II, Indonesian nationalist leader Sukarno
declared Indonesian Independence
on August 17, 1945. Several days later, a People's Security Force (Badan Keamanan Rakyat) was formed to undertake security duties. The Air Division of this force was also formed, using ex-Japanese planes scattered everywhere, especially in the island of Java, including Bugis Air Base in Malang (Established on 18 September 1945). The most numerous of these airplanes were the Yokosuka K5Y1 Willow
(Cureng) trainers, which were hastily used to train newly recruited cadets. At the time of the founding, there was only one Indonesian holding a multi-engine pilot license from the pre-war Dutch Flying School (but did not have an opportunity to fly during the 3.5-year Japanese occupation). He was assisted by a few Japanese pilots who decided to stay in the newly born country. The new roundel was created simply by painting white on the lower part of the Japanese Hinomaru, reflecting the red and white of the Indonesian flag
. The People's Security Force was then re-organized to form a formal armed force. This marked the birth of the Indonesian Air Force on April 9, 1946. However, tensions rose as the Dutch tried to re-claim their former colony and launched an assault on July 21, 1947, destroying most of the planes on the ground. Some planes survived though and were hidden in remote bases.
July 29, 1947 was date of the first air operation by the newborn air force as three surviving aircraft, comprising two Yokosuka K5Y1 Willow
(Cureng) and a Mitsubishi Ki-51
Sonia (the fourth aircraft, a Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar (Hayabusha), should also have been involved in the raid, but as of when it was launched, the aircraft was not airworthy) conducted air raids at dawn on the Dutch Army barracks in Semarang, Salatiga and Ambarawa, dropping incendiary bombs. Tactically, these raids did not have any effect on the Dutch positions, but psychologically, it was a great success as it proved that the Indonesian Air Force still existed. The Dutch had previously claimed the destruction of Indonesian Air Force in their assault before and they never expected any attack from the sky. Dutch Curtiss P-40E Warhawk
s tried to find all the guerrillas' planes, but they were too late to find those "ghost" aircraft which landed quickly in Maguwo Air Base, near Yogyakarta (now, Adisucipto International Airport
). Indonesian pro-independence guerrillas tried to save captured aircraft in a number of remote areas, including examples of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen "Zeke"
, Aichi D3A "Val"
, and Mitsubishi G4M "Betty"
.
Under pressure from the United Nations
, the Dutch finally agreed to acknowledge Indonesian independence. Following the 1949 Round Table Conference
, sovereignty was officially transferred to the United States of Indonesia. The Dutch armed forces left (but remained in West Papua
until 1963) and the airplanes were handed over to the Indonesians. These comprised, among others, North American P-51 Mustang
, North American B-25 Mitchell
, Douglas A-26 Invader
, Douglas C-47 Dakota
and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
, which served as the main forces of the Indonesian Air Force for the following decade. During this era, Indonesia received its first jet aircraft; De Havilland DH-115 Vampire
. It was also during this era that the national roundels were changed to the red & white pentagon.
, Darul Islam-Tentara Islam Indonesia (DI/TII) and the Republic of South Maluku separatists. Several Indonesian pilots scored their first kills, including Capt. Ignatius Dewanto with his P-51 Mustang, who shot down a PRRI-PERMESTA A-26 Invader
over Ambon. Its pilot, Allen Lawrence Pope
, an American Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA) agent, was captured and put on trial in Jakarta, thus revealing the significant involvement of the CIA's Operation Haik in the rebellion. The most famous Indonesian fighter pilot during this time was Rusmin Nurjadin, who became Chief of the Air Staff from 1966 to 1969. He also commanded MiG-21 squadrons from 1962 to 1965 and founded an acrobatic team in 1962 that flew the MiG-17F/PF Fresco over some cities in Indonesia. Little numbers of Indonesian Air Force's pilot gained their reputation as aces in this era.
, MiG-17F/PF, MiG-19S and MiG-21F-13, in addition to Ilyushin Il-28
, Mil Mi-4
, Mil Mi-6
, Antonov An-12
and Avia 14 also from Czechoslovakia
. Indonesia also received Lavochkin La-11
. Some Tupolev Tu-2
from China also arrived, intended to replace the B-25, but they never reached operational status. These aircraft served along with the remaining western aircraft such as B-25 Mitchell
, A-26 Invader
, C-47 Dakota
, and P-51 Mustang
. It was during this period that the Indonesian Air Force became the first Air Force in Southeast Asia which acquired the capability of strategic bombing by having Tu-16, before the acquisition of Ilyushin Il-28
by Vietnam People's Air Force
.
This era also marked the last confrontation with the Dutch in Papua
, before the Dutch, again under pressure of the United Nations
, left in 1963. The Indonesian Air Force at this time acquired many first examples of Soviet aircraft. Several missions of United States Air Force
(USAF) Taiwan-based Lockheed U-2
s from 35th Squadron (Black Cat Squadron
in Taiwan
) flew over Maluku (Mollucas) and reported to Dutch military that there was a big possibility that Dutch would lose their air superiority over Papua if they continued the war. During the Operation Trikora against Netherlands' position over Papua, the air force stationed their units in :
1. North American P-51 Mustang, with seven P-51D based at Laha airbase, Ambon. One aircraft piloted bt Second Air Lieutenant Prasetyo lost due to engine failure during the ferry flight from Makassar to Ambon. The pilot, Second Air Lieutenant Prasetyo, died after bailing out from the aircraft and landed in a high-tide seas and couldn't be rescued by the Air Forces' PBY-5 Catalina due to the extreme weather after Prasetyo's accident
2. 40 MiG-17F/PF aircraft on three airfields; Morotai (in northern Maluku), Amahai (in Seram) and Letfuan (in Banda islands, located in the southwest of Papua). The aircraft have long been stationed in Morotai before Operation Trikora for their air skirmish against PRRI-PERMESTA
and the Republic of South Maluku separatists. The primary role of these aircraft were to provide air cover for the airlift and logistic dropper aircraft during the early infiltration to Papua. If the war broke out, these MiG-17F/PF will provide the air cover for the anti-shipping missiles mission of Tu-16 and bombing mission of Ilyushin Il-28
, also for intercepting Netherland's Hawker Hunter
s based in Numfor, Biak
.
3. Four North American B-25 Mitchells and two Douglas A-26 Invaders at Letfuan airbase. Their primary role during the Operation were for transport and providing air cover for the airlift, mostly when P-51 Mustang
and MiG-17F/PF had not been in the air yet. Dutch Lockheed PV-2
Neptunes were known as the strongest rival for these Letfuan-based units.
4. Eighteen Ilyushin Il-28
s stationed first at Laha airbase, but then moved to Amahai airbase, due to the shortness of runway at Laha for the landing of the aircraft.
5. Twenty-six Tupolev Tu-16
s were stationed in Iswahyudi airbase near Ngawi, Jawa Timur in 41st and 42nd Squadron. Six aircraft were scrambled to Morotai airbase for the operation. USAF intelligence reconnaissance unit based at Taiwan
, Lockheed U-2
, flew over Iswahyudi airbase. The U-2 mission provides the evidence to the Netherlands to prove that Indonesian Air Force have had the capability of strategic bombing, which will threaten the Dutch forces in Papua. These units' plan for the Operation, were to endanger the Dutch naval fleet in Papua, mostly to threaten HNLMS Karel Doorman (R81)
, the only aircraft carrier of the Dutch naval fleet with the brand new AS-1 missile.
6. Twenty-four Douglas C-47 Dakota s stationed at three airfields; Laha, Amahai and Letfuan. One aircraft piloted by Air Captain Djalaludin Tantu and co-pilot Second Air Lieutenant Sukandar, was downed by a Dutch Neptune. All crews bailed out safely from the aircraft, but soon captured by the Dutch forces after hiding in Papua
7. Ten Lockheed C-130 Hercules s stationed at Halim Perdanakusumah airbase at Jakarta. Despite the warning from United States to not use the aircraft for the operation, it soon scrambled over the Papua for the airlift mission, due to the critical problem of losing more C-47 Dakotas, it was used extensively for the Operation and were intercepted by Hawker Hunter
s and Lockheed P-2 Neptunes. Hercules had the advantage of not being overwhelmed by any Dutch aircraft due to its high altitude flying capability up to 33,000 feet.
8. Six Douglas DC-3
s and one Convair 240
, under Wing Garuda 011. The aircraft were modified from civilian use to airlift operation, mostly to the cabin.
9. Six anti-submarine Fairey Gannet AS.4
s and several PBY-5 Catalinas and two Grumman HU-16 Albatross
(UF-1 variant). These aircraft belonged to the Indonesian Naval Air Force, but supporting the air forces for the Operation. Aircraft were stationed in Liang airbase at Seram, then moved to Morotai airbase. One Gannet AS.4 was lost due to an accident when it crashed into a mountain in Seram island, killing three crews inside the aircraft.
There are also several Bell 47
s, Bell Jet Rangers, Mil Mi-4
and Mil Mi-6
helicopters which were planned to be used for the operation, but were still unprepared during the early phase of inflitration of the operation. Indonesian MiG pilots received training to fly their fighter aircraft in Egypt
before the inflitration campaign. During the infliltration of the airlift campaign, the air forces' special forces, Pasukan Gerak Tjepat (PGT) (now known as Paskhas
) landed in Klamono-Sorong, Papua.
In this period, Indonesian Air Force also took part in the confrontation
with the Malaysian Federation (backed by the United Kingdom
) along the border of Kalimantan, the Malacca Strait and near the Singapore Border.
in 1965 changed everything and a new anti-communist regime from the Army, led by Major General
Suharto, took power. Ties with the Eastern block countries were cut, and thus support and spare parts for the planes became short. By August 1968 the situation was critical, and in early 1970, the Air Force Chief-of-Staff, Suwoto Sukandar, said that the spare parts situation meant that only 15 -20 percent of aircraft were airworthy. The MiG force made its farewell flight with a flypast of Jakarta
in 1970. The relatively new MiG-19s were sold to Pakistan
. By October 1970, only one Tu-16 was still flying, but after an in-flight engine failure, it too was grounded.
Indonesia recovered soon by receiving former Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) CAC Sabre
s — an Australian re-design of the F-86 Sabre — to replace their MiG-21s. The Sabre was used by the TNI-AU until 1982. In 1973, the United States supplied military assistance including T33s
trainers and UH-34D helicopters in exchange for four old MiG-21 F-13s. Over the next three years, the US supplied 16 Rockwell
OV-10 Bronco
s counter-insurgency aircraft and F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, in exchange for which the Indonesian Air Force handed over the majority of its remaining MiG-21 F-13s, which were used to form a US Air Force
Aggressor squadron
. The Indonesian Air Force also took part in the 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor
. Indonesia also purchased BAE Hawk
Mk 53s from United Kingdom in the 1970s.
In the early 1980s, the Air Force, needing modern strike aircraft, organized Operation Alpha to clandestinely acquire ex-Israeli Air Force
A-4 Skyhawk
s. Air Force personnel were sent in secret by different routes and eventually Indonesia received 32 aircraft.
In 1982, Indonesia purchased 16 Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II from the United States to replace their Sabres. These were upgraded in Belgium
from 1995.
During 1986–88, there was a tight competition for the contract to provide a new fighter bomber, between the General Dynamics F-16
and Dassault Mirage 2000, (especially after the Indonesian Air Show in 1986). Indonesia ordered 12 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Block 15 OCU as a new fighter to strengthen the Indonesian Air Force in 1989. A follow-up order for 9 more F-16A Block-15 OCU was cancelled in favor of 24 Su-30 MKK, this order was also cancelled due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. The Indonesian Air Force had originally planned to acquire 60 F-16s to cover and defend its 12 million square kilometers of territory. A total of 10 F-16A and F-16B are still in service with Indonesian Air Force: 2 planes crashed in two different accidents. However, only a few of these are still serviceable.
The Indonesian Air Force ordered eight BAE Hawk
Mk 109s and 32 Mk 209s in 1993. The last of these was delivered by January 1997.
to supply them with arms including fighters, helicopters, missiles, radars and other equipment.
In 2002, Indonesian Air Force continued to use all of its assets against local separatists, such as the Free Aceh Movement
(GAM) and Free Papua Movement
(Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM). In the conflict with GAM in Aceh, the Indonesian Air Force utilized OV-10Fs for counter-insurgency actions along with BAe Hawk 53 and 209 with great success.
In July 2003, the Air Force managed to scramble two fully armed F-16 to intercept five U.S. F/A-18 Hornet
s maneuvering over Bawean Island off the Eastern coast of Java island. The incident ended peacefully through a Friend or Foe hand signal. A US spokesman said that the naval aircraft had sought permission to enter Indonesian airspace while escorting a US aircraft carrier, but that the request arrived too late at the air force defense headquarters in Jakarta due to red tape.
In that same year, the Air Force received two Sukhoi Su-27
s and two Sukhoi Su-30
s from Russia. The fighters were partly paid for in Indonesian palm oil. The purchase, however, did not include any weaponry. Unbeknown to most, Seven KT-1b Korean basic trainers were also purchased.
By 2005 the Air Force was experiencing a logistical crisis. The F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-4 Skyhawk
, which accounted for 80% of its air combat assets, were at the minimum or nil level of combat readiness.
To respond to the crisis, in 2006, the Indonesian Air Force ordered three Sukhoi Aerospace Su-27SKM
and three Sukhoi Aerospace Su-30MK2
to complete a full squadron. It was also made public that the four aircraft procured in 2003 were inactive and awaiting an upgrade of their communication systems, as they were incompatible with the Indonesian systems in use. The additional aircraft will be ordered with systems complying with the Indonesian and international standards and would also include new weaponry for all variants. A further 12 KT-1b Korean basic trainers were also ordered in 2006.
Future plans, military budgets permitting, include purchasing new F-16C/D Fighting Falcons to strengthen the F-16 squadron, upgrading the current fleet of C-130 Hercules
to modern C-130Js and buying newer C-130Js to supplement the inventory, purchasing newer advanced trainers and light attack aircraft for COIN
operations, purchasing new radars and receiving new logistical equipment from both Western and Russian manufacturers. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense also expressed an interest in buying approximately two squadrons of refurbished Dassault Mirage 2000-5 from France, complete with Matra Magic II and MBDA MICA
air-to-air missiles. France recommended the Dassault Rafale
to Indonesian Air Force, since Dassault had decided to stop the production of Dassault Mirage 2000. The Indonesian Air Force is also showing interest in the newly made Chengdu J-10
Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder
from China, and also the SAAB JAS-39 Gripen from Sweden, all suitable options for succeeding the aging Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II. In March 2008, Indonesian Air Force ordered 8 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano from Brazil to replace its Rockwell OV-10F Bronco
. . Up to 16 more Super Tucano may be acquired eventually.
To date, the Indonesian Air Force has only acquired four types of missiles – the AS-1 Kennel (KS-1 Kometa), AIM-9 Sidewinder
, AGM-65 Maverick
and AA-2 Atoll (Vympel K-13). There are plans to purchase more advanced air-to-air missiles, such as AA-10 Alamo (Vympel R-27), AA-11 Archer (Vympel R-73), AA-12 Adder (Vympel R-77) and AA-X-13 Arrow (Vympel R-37), as well as other air-to-ground missiles (AS-14
"Kedge" (Kh-29
), anti ship missiles (AS-17
"Krypton" and AS-13
"Kingbolt"), general purpose bombs and cluster bombs from Russia, to be carried by their Flankers. At this time, Indonesian Flankers are armed with Indonesian made (US licensed) Mk.82 bombs. There is a possibility that Indonesian Air Force will also purchase extremely long range air-to-air missile Novator KS-172 AAM-L
, after the Indonesian Army
evaluated and showed their interest in purchasing S-300PMU "Grumble" and SA-17 "Grizzly" missiles.
Local weapons are being developed such as P-100 air-to-ground bomb manufactured by CV Sari Bahari Malang, East Java. P-100 has been successfully tested in Su-27 and Su-30 for ground attack missions. Further massive production is subject to approval from Ministry of Defence.
In the visit of US President Barack Obama
on November 9–10, 2010 in Jakarta, TNI-AU Force was offered 24 ex-USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon
Block 32 for free. In October 2011, the House of Representatives has approved the grant. The fighter jets will be upgraded similar to the latest Block 50/52 variant with payment. TNI-AU also progressing in reactivation of the entire 10 units of F-16 Fighting Falcon
Block 15 OCU, which resulted in the reactivation of TS-1606, TS-1609 and TS-1612 recently. To replace Fokker F-27, TNI-AU will also finalize their choice to whether buy 6 units of Italian Alenia C-27J
Spartan or 12 units of Spanish CASA C-295 with 6 units will be shared to another Indonesian governmental institution and joint production with PT. Dirgantara Indonesia. TNI-AU will also buy new variants of Eurocopter EC-725, plans to purchase 9 - 12 units of Lockheed C-130 variant J, finalize their choice for the replacement of F-5E/F Tiger II with either 18 units of Chinese-Pakistan made JF-17 Thunder, Russian Sukhoi Su-35
Flanker or Swedish JAS-39 Gripen. New unmanned aerial vehicle
will also be purchased to strengthen TNI-AU aerial observation in Supadio Air Force Base, Pontianak
, Kalimantan Barat.
On other occasions, Minister of Defense Purnomo Yusgiantoro stated that TNI-AU will gradually purchase a total of 180 Su-27 and Su-30 to complete the needs of 10 squadrons. India also offered TNI-AU Indian-Russian made BrahMos
missiles to equip its Su-27 and Su-30 Flankers.
Indonesia cooperated with South Korea to jointly develop and procure KFX jet fighters. Indonesia financed 20 percent share of the project and will receive 50 jet fighters while South Korea will get 200 jets. Defense ministry spokesman claimed that the jet fighter would be higher in class than F-16 but lower than F-35. The project was started in 2009 and the first prototype will roll out in 2020. Indonesia has also signed an MOU with China to produce C-907 missiles which will arm the Sukhoi
jet fighters.
In January 2010, Indonesia announced the selection of the Super Tucano
as the replacement for the OV-10 Bronco
in the counter-insurgency role. The final contract was signed in June 2011 with the the first of four arriving by March 2012.
In April 2011, Indonesia confirmed that it will buy 16 supersonic trainer jets KAI T-50 Golden Eagle from South Korea
for up to $400 million after an evaluation of the Yakovlev Yak-130
, Guizhou JL-9
/FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle and Aero L-159 ALCA
. It will replace BAE Hawk
MK-53 trainer jets.
In August 2011, Indonesia announced that it would acquire the Grob G120TP for its basic trainer requirements which would likely replace the FFA AS-202 Bravo
and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor trainers.
, Indonesia. However, its Order of Battle
is split into two Air Force Operational Commands (KOOPSAU) (east and west regions) but most of its airbases are located on the island of Java
. The Indonesian Air Force also has its own elite unit, called Air Force Special Forces Corps (Paskhas
)
Note:
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Role
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Versions
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Inventory
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|On order / Will be Deliver
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Note
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Trainer Aircraft
|-
| FFA AS/SA-202 Bravo
|
| basic prop trainer
| AS/SA 202-18A
| 40
| 28
|
|
|-
| KAI TA-50 Golden Eagle
|
| advanced jet trainer / light fighter
| TA-50
| 0
| 0
| 16
| Role as Advanced Trainer and Light Ground Attack, Up to 16 ordered at a cost of USD $400 million on 25 May 2011. To be assembled by PT Dirgantara Indonesia
from CKD.
|-
| KAI KT-1 Wongbee
|
| basic prop trainer
| KT-1B
| 12
| 11
| 17
| Further five were ordered in 2008. One unit crashed in Ngurah Rai Airport
, Denpasar
during exercise.
|-
| Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
|
| basic prop trainer
| T-34C
| 14
| 14
|
|
|-
| Grob G-120
|
| basic prop trainer
| Grob G120TP
| 0
| 0
| 18
| Contract announced in August 2011. Up to 18 may be acquired.
|-
| Aermacchi SF.260
|
| basic prop trainer
| SF-260M/W
| 19
| 15
|
| 19 were donated by Singapore
|-
| BAe Hawk
|
| basic jet trainer
----
advanced jet trainer
|Hawk 53
----
Hawk 109
| 20
----
8
| 10
----
8
|
|Hawk 53 to be replaced with T-50 Golden Eagle. Two units were lost in two different accidents, one with tail number TT-5304 crashed at Bendo in 1991 and another one with tail number TT-5307 crashed at Wonogiri in the same year with TT-5304.
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 115
| 78
| 51
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Combat Aircraft
|-
| BAe Hawk 209
|
| light ground attack/COIN (counter-insurgency)
| Hawk 209
| 32
| 29
|
|
|-
| Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano
|
| light ground attack/COIN (counter-insurgency)
| A-29A
| 0
| 0
| 8
| 8 ordered; Up to 16 expected to be ordered to replace OV-10, expected delivery in 2012
|-
| Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
|
| multirole fighter
|
F-16A Block-15 OCU
----
F-16B Block-15 OCU
----
F-16C Block 52 (from Block 25)
----
F-16D Block 52 (from block 25)
|7
----
3
----
0
----
0
|7
----
3
----
0
----
0
|24
| Indonesia had a total of 12 F-16 aircraft in 1996 obtained under the Peace Bima Sena program but 2 were lost during different accidents. One aircraft with tail number TS-1604 crashed at Trenggalek, in 1992 and aircraft with tail number TS-1607 crashed at Halim Perdanakusumah airbase, in 1997. Indonesia is set to receive 24 F-16 C/D Block 25 from the United States Air Force
inventory with F-16 A/B OCU Block 15 currently upgraded to the latest version. The shipment will follow the approval from the United States Congress
.
|-
||Northrop F-5E Tiger II
|
| multirole fighter
| F-5E/F
| 16
| 15
|
| 8 F-5E and 4 F-5F were upgraded by SABCA of Belgium under the Modernisation of Avionics Capabilities for Armament and Navigation or MACAN project from the mid to late 1990s. One aircraft with tail number TS-0504 crashed at Goreng Gareng in 1981.
|-
| Sukhoi Su-27
|
| air superiority fighter
| Su-27SK
----
Su-27SKM
| 2
----
3
| 2
----
3
|
|
|-
| Sukhoi Su-30
|
| strike fighter
| Su-30MK
----
Su-30MK2
| 2
----
3
| 2
----
3
| 6
|3 Su-27SKM arrived in September 2000. The aircraft have no weapons. Purchase of additional 6 more Sukhois announced in September 2010.
|-
|KF-X
|/
| multirole fighter
| KF-X/I-FX
| 0
| 0
| 50
| Estimated to enter services by 2020, production date unknown
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 62
| 49
| 88
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Tactical Airlift
, Transport
, Maritime Patrol Aircraft
|-
| Boeing 737
|
| VIP Transport
----
maritime reconnaissance
| 737-2Q8
737-4U3
----
737-2X9 Surveiller MPA
| 1
2
----
3
| 3
----
3
|
|
----
The -400 series are ex-Garuda Indonesia
, donated to Air Force
----
Fitted with Motorola AN/APS-135 SLAMMR (Side-looking Airborne Modular Multi-mission Radar)
|-
| Lockheed C-130 Hercules
|
| airlift
/transport
----
aerial refuel
| C-130B/-H/-H-30
----
KC-130B
Hercules
| 24
----
2
| 8
----
2
|
| Contract for upgrading of 4 C-130B awarded to ST Aero in 2008. Further upgrades to 6 C-130Bs were awarded to ARINC
in July 2010 and Jan 2011. One C-130H crashed in May 2009
in Magetan, Java.
|-
| Lockheed L-100
|
| transport
/ VIP Transport
| L-100-30
| 8
| 6
|
|
|-
| Fokker F-27 Friendship
|
| airlift
/transport
| F27-400M
| 7
| 6
|
|To be retired and replaced by EADS/CASA C-295
|-
| CASA CN-235
|
| airlift
/transport
----
maritime reconnaissance
| CN-235 110/220M
----
CN-235 MPA
| 16
----
3
| 16
----
3
| 0
----
3
| † For minimal maritime defense till 2014
|-
| CASA C-295
|
| airlift
/transport
----
maritime reconnaissance
----
Airborne Early Warning and Control
| C-295 M
----
C-295 MPA
----
C-295 AEW&C
| 0
----
0
----
0
| 0
----
0
----
0
| 3
----
3
----
3
| † Indonesia agree for license C-295, 40% spare parts from Indonesia. Indonesia build role of transport aircraft, MPA, and AEW&C
|-
| Fokker F28 Fellowship
|
| airlift
/transport
| F-28 Mk 1000
----
F-28 Mk 3000
| 5
| 5
|
|
|-
| CASA C-212 Aviocar
|
| airlift
/transport
| NC-212-100
----
NC-212-200
----
NC-212-400
|28
----
----
|28
----
----
|
----
----
| †
Upgrading to NC212-200/-400 versions in the near future
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 88
| 69
| 12
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Helicopters and Non Fix Winged Aircraft
|-
| Eurocopter EC 120 Colibri
|
| light utility helicopter
| EC-120B
| 11
| 11
|
| Replaced the Bell 47G-3B
|-
| Sikorsky S-58
|
| utility helicopter
| S-58T
| 12
| 8
|
| Currently being phased out due to service life & lack of spare parts
|-
| Aérospatiale AS 330 Puma
|
| troop transport
| NAS 330J
| 11
| 11
|
| †
|-
| Bell 412
|
| troop transport
| NBell 412S
----
NBell 412HP
|4
----
4
|4
----
4
|
|†
|-
| Bell 204
|
| troop transport
| Bell 204B
| 5
| 4
|
|
|-
| MBB Bo 105
|
| SAR missions
| NBO-105 CB
----
NBO-105 CBS
| 6
----
1
| 6
----
1
|
| †
|-
| Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma
|
| SAR missions
/troop transport
----
VIP transport
|
NAS-332 Super Puma
----
NAS-332 Super Puma VVIP
|7
----
2
|7
----
2
| 7
| †
A total of 16 has been ordered since 1998
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 63
| 58
| 7
|
† locally produced by Indonesian Aerospace
: TA-4H/TA-4J 2 each, 2005 de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo
: DHC-5D, 3
and Timika
.
The Air Force uses the following missiles:
- Air to Air
- Air To Ground
s (UAV) with at least 6 UAVs at Supadio Airport
at December 2011 - January 2012, West Kalimantan
. The UAVs may be bought from South Africa
.
Air force
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...
branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
The Indonesian Air Force has 34,930 personnel equipped with 110 combat aircraft including Su-27 and Su-30.
Before Indonesian independence (1941–1945)
After World War II ended, Indonesia became the second country (after Thailand) in South East Asia to acquire an air force. Indonesian pilots fought against the colonial forces of the Netherlands during 1945–1949 with former Japanese aircraft abandoned at the end of World War II, as well as aircraft of the Netherlands East Indies Air Force (including Curtiss P-36 Hawk (P-36 Mohawk), Brewster F2A Buffalo and Fokker D.XXIFokker D.XXI
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* De Jong, Peter. Le Fokker D.21 . Outreau, France: Éditions Lela Presse, 2005. ISBN 2-914017-26-X....
fighters; Martin B-10
Martin B-10
The Martin B-10 was the first all-metal monoplane bomber to go into regular use by the United States Army Air Corps, entering service in June 1934...
bombers; Fokker C.X
Fokker C.X
-Bibliography:*Taylor, H.A.. Airspeed Aircraft since 1931. Putnam. 1970. London. ISBN 370 00110 9...
reconnaissance floatplanes) left before the occupation by Japan in 1941.
Indonesian War of Independence/The Netherlands 'Police Action' (1945–1949)
Sukarno
Sukarno, born Kusno Sosrodihardjo was the first President of Indonesia.Sukarno was the leader of his country's struggle for independence from the Netherlands and was Indonesia's first President from 1945 to 1967...
declared Indonesian Independence
Indonesian Declaration of Independence
The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, August 17, 1945. The declaration marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands until the latter officially acknowledged...
on August 17, 1945. Several days later, a People's Security Force (Badan Keamanan Rakyat) was formed to undertake security duties. The Air Division of this force was also formed, using ex-Japanese planes scattered everywhere, especially in the island of Java, including Bugis Air Base in Malang (Established on 18 September 1945). The most numerous of these airplanes were the Yokosuka K5Y1 Willow
Yokosuka K5Y
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Collier, Basil. Japanese Aircraft of World War II. London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1979. ISBN 0-283-98399-X....
(Cureng) trainers, which were hastily used to train newly recruited cadets. At the time of the founding, there was only one Indonesian holding a multi-engine pilot license from the pre-war Dutch Flying School (but did not have an opportunity to fly during the 3.5-year Japanese occupation). He was assisted by a few Japanese pilots who decided to stay in the newly born country. The new roundel was created simply by painting white on the lower part of the Japanese Hinomaru, reflecting the red and white of the Indonesian flag
Flag of Indonesia
The national flag of Indonesia, which is known as Sang Saka Merah-Putih or Bendera Merah-Putih or simply Merah-Putih in Indonesian, is based on the banner of the 13th century Majapahit Empire in East Java...
. The People's Security Force was then re-organized to form a formal armed force. This marked the birth of the Indonesian Air Force on April 9, 1946. However, tensions rose as the Dutch tried to re-claim their former colony and launched an assault on July 21, 1947, destroying most of the planes on the ground. Some planes survived though and were hidden in remote bases.
July 29, 1947 was date of the first air operation by the newborn air force as three surviving aircraft, comprising two Yokosuka K5Y1 Willow
Yokosuka K5Y
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Collier, Basil. Japanese Aircraft of World War II. London: Sidgwick & Jackson, 1979. ISBN 0-283-98399-X....
(Cureng) and a Mitsubishi Ki-51
Mitsubishi Ki-51
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Francillon, Ph.D., René J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1970. ISBN 0-370-00033-1 .-External links:* * *...
Sonia (the fourth aircraft, a Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar (Hayabusha), should also have been involved in the raid, but as of when it was launched, the aircraft was not airworthy) conducted air raids at dawn on the Dutch Army barracks in Semarang, Salatiga and Ambarawa, dropping incendiary bombs. Tactically, these raids did not have any effect on the Dutch positions, but psychologically, it was a great success as it proved that the Indonesian Air Force still existed. The Dutch had previously claimed the destruction of Indonesian Air Force in their assault before and they never expected any attack from the sky. Dutch Curtiss P-40E Warhawk
Curtiss P-40
The Curtiss P-40 Warhawk was an American single-engine, single-seat, all-metal fighter and ground attack aircraft that first flew in 1938. The P-40 design was a modification of the previous Curtiss P-36 Hawk which reduced development time and enabled a rapid entry into production and operational...
s tried to find all the guerrillas' planes, but they were too late to find those "ghost" aircraft which landed quickly in Maguwo Air Base, near Yogyakarta (now, Adisucipto International Airport
Adisucipto International Airport
Adisucipto International Airport is the principal airport serving the Yogyakarta area on the island of Java, Indonesia....
). Indonesian pro-independence guerrillas tried to save captured aircraft in a number of remote areas, including examples of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen "Zeke"
A6M Zero
The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was a long-range fighter aircraft operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service from 1940 to 1945. The A6M was designated as the , and also designated as the Mitsubishi A6M Rei-sen and Mitsubishi Navy 12-shi Carrier Fighter. The A6M was usually referred to by the...
, Aichi D3A "Val"
Aichi D3A
The , Allied reporting name "Val") was a World War II carrier-borne dive bomber of the Imperial Japanese Navy . It was the primary dive bomber in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and participated in almost all actions, including Pearl Harbor....
, and Mitsubishi G4M "Betty"
Mitsubishi G4M
The Mitsubishi G4M 一式陸上攻撃機, 一式陸攻 Isshiki rikujō kōgeki ki, Isshikirikkō was the main twin-engine, land-based bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service in World War II. The Allies gave the G4M the reporting name Betty...
.
Under pressure from the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, the Dutch finally agreed to acknowledge Indonesian independence. Following the 1949 Round Table Conference
Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference
The Dutch–Indonesian Round Table Conference was held in the Hague from August 23 - November 2, 1949, between representatives of the Netherlands, the Republic of Indonesia and the BFO representing various states the Dutch had created in the Indonesian archipelago...
, sovereignty was officially transferred to the United States of Indonesia. The Dutch armed forces left (but remained in West Papua
Western New Guinea
West Papua informally refers to the Indonesian western half of the island of New Guinea and other smaller islands to its west. The region is officially administered as two provinces: Papua and West Papua. The eastern half of New Guinea is Papua New Guinea.The population of approximately 3 million...
until 1963) and the airplanes were handed over to the Indonesians. These comprised, among others, North American P-51 Mustang
P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
, North American B-25 Mitchell
B-25 Mitchell
The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engined medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. It was used by many Allied air forces, in every theater of World War II, as well as many other air forces after the war ended, and saw service across four decades.The B-25 was named...
, Douglas A-26 Invader
A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts...
, Douglas C-47 Dakota
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
PBY Catalina
The Consolidated PBY Catalina was an American flying boat of the 1930s and 1940s produced by Consolidated Aircraft. It was one of the most widely used multi-role aircraft of World War II. PBYs served with every branch of the United States Armed Forces and in the air forces and navies of many other...
, which served as the main forces of the Indonesian Air Force for the following decade. During this era, Indonesia received its first jet aircraft; De Havilland DH-115 Vampire
De Havilland Vampire
The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a British jet-engine fighter commissioned by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Following the Gloster Meteor, it was the second jet fighter to enter service with the RAF. Although it arrived too late to see combat during the war, the Vampire served...
. It was also during this era that the national roundels were changed to the red & white pentagon.
Action against rebellions (1950–1961)
Political instability meant that the Indonesian Air Force saw action against several regional rebellions in Indonesia, such as PRRI-PERMESTAPermesta
Permesta was a rebel movement in Indonesia, the name coming from Piagam Perjuangan Semesta . It was declared by civil and military leaders of East Indonesia on March 2, 1957. The center of the movement was in Manado, and the movement was led by Colonel Ventje Sumual...
, Darul Islam-Tentara Islam Indonesia (DI/TII) and the Republic of South Maluku separatists. Several Indonesian pilots scored their first kills, including Capt. Ignatius Dewanto with his P-51 Mustang, who shot down a PRRI-PERMESTA A-26 Invader
A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts...
over Ambon. Its pilot, Allen Lawrence Pope
Allen Lawrence Pope
Allen Lawrence Pope was a 29 year old ex-US Air Force first lieutenant who was shot down on May 18, 1958 while flying a B-26 during a raid on government forces at the Indonesian port of Amboina....
, an American Central Intelligence Agency
Central Intelligence Agency
The Central Intelligence Agency is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government. It is an executive agency and reports directly to the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for providing national security intelligence assessment to senior United States policymakers...
(CIA) agent, was captured and put on trial in Jakarta, thus revealing the significant involvement of the CIA's Operation Haik in the rebellion. The most famous Indonesian fighter pilot during this time was Rusmin Nurjadin, who became Chief of the Air Staff from 1966 to 1969. He also commanded MiG-21 squadrons from 1962 to 1965 and founded an acrobatic team in 1962 that flew the MiG-17F/PF Fresco over some cities in Indonesia. Little numbers of Indonesian Air Force's pilot gained their reputation as aces in this era.
The golden era of Soviet influence (1962–1965)
The rise of the communist party in Indonesia (Communist Party of Indonesia) drew Indonesia closer to the Eastern Block. Several Soviet-built aircraft began to arrive in the early 1960s. In 1961, Indonesia became the second country to receive and operate the new Tu-16 bombers. Around 25 Tu-16KS missile strike Badgers were delivered complete with AS-1 air-surface missiles. One crashed at the end of 1962. Several kinds of MiG also arrived comprising MiG-15UTI from CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...
, MiG-17F/PF, MiG-19S and MiG-21F-13, in addition to Ilyushin Il-28
Ilyushin Il-28
The Ilyushin Il-28 is a jet bomber aircraft of the immediate postwar period that was originally manufactured for the Soviet Air Force. It was the USSR's first such aircraft to enter large-scale production. It was also licence-built in China as the Harbin H-5. Total production in the USSR was 6,316...
, Mil Mi-4
Mil Mi-4
The Mil Mi-4 was a Soviet transport helicopter that served in both military and civilian roles.-Design and development:...
, Mil Mi-6
Mil Mi-6
|-Facts:*Test pilot N.B. Leshin has set the world record of speed. This event was awarded by the American Helicopter Society.*Small numbers are still in service, most in Siberia plus a small number with the People's Republic of China...
, Antonov An-12
Antonov An-12
The Antonov An-12 is a four-engined turboprop transport aircraft designed in the Soviet Union. It is the military version of the Antonov An-10.-Design and development:...
and Avia 14 also from Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia or Czecho-Slovakia was a sovereign state in Central Europe which existed from October 1918, when it declared its independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until 1992...
. Indonesia also received Lavochkin La-11
Lavochkin La-11
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Gordon, Yefim. Lavochkin's Piston-Engined Fighters . Earl Shilton, Leicester, UK: Midland Publishing Ltd., 2003. ISBN 1-85780-151-2....
. Some Tupolev Tu-2
Tupolev Tu-2
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Bishop, Chris. The Encyclopedia of Weapons of WWII: The Comprehensive Guide to Over 1,500 Weapons Systems, Including Tanks, Small Arms, Warplanes, Artillery, Ships, and Submarines. New York: Sterling, 2002. ISBN 1-58663-762-2.* Ethell, Jeffrey L. Aircraft...
from China also arrived, intended to replace the B-25, but they never reached operational status. These aircraft served along with the remaining western aircraft such as B-25 Mitchell
B-25 Mitchell
The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engined medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. It was used by many Allied air forces, in every theater of World War II, as well as many other air forces after the war ended, and saw service across four decades.The B-25 was named...
, A-26 Invader
A-26 Invader
The Douglas A-26 Invader was a United States twin-engined light attack bomber built by the Douglas Aircraft Co. during World War II that also saw service during several of the Cold War's major conflicts...
, C-47 Dakota
C-47 Skytrain
The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota is a military transport aircraft that was developed from the Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II and remained in front line operations through the 1950s with a few remaining in operation to this day.-Design and...
, and P-51 Mustang
P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
. It was during this period that the Indonesian Air Force became the first Air Force in Southeast Asia which acquired the capability of strategic bombing by having Tu-16, before the acquisition of Ilyushin Il-28
Ilyushin Il-28
The Ilyushin Il-28 is a jet bomber aircraft of the immediate postwar period that was originally manufactured for the Soviet Air Force. It was the USSR's first such aircraft to enter large-scale production. It was also licence-built in China as the Harbin H-5. Total production in the USSR was 6,316...
by Vietnam People's Air Force
Vietnam People's Air Force
The Vietnam People's Air Force is the air force of Vietnam. It is the successor of the former North Vietnamese Air Force and the absorbed Republic of Vietnam Air Force following the re-unification of Vietnam in 1975.-Beginning-1964 :The first Vietnamese aircraft were two trainers, a de Havilland...
.
This era also marked the last confrontation with the Dutch in Papua
Operation TRIKORA
Operation TRIKORA was an Indonesian military operation which aimed to seize and annex the Dutch overseas territory of Netherlands New Guinea in 1961 and 1962...
, before the Dutch, again under pressure of the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
, left in 1963. The Indonesian Air Force at this time acquired many first examples of Soviet aircraft. Several missions of United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
(USAF) Taiwan-based Lockheed U-2
Lockheed U-2
The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", is a single-engine, very high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency . It provides day and night, very high-altitude , all-weather intelligence gathering...
s from 35th Squadron (Black Cat Squadron
Black Cat Squadron
The Black Cat Squadron was a squadron of the Republic of China Air Force that flew the U-2 surveillance plane out of Taoyuan Airbase in northern Taiwan, from 1961 to 1974. The formal designation of the squadron was the 35th Squadron, operating under the cover of a high altitude weather research...
in Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
) flew over Maluku (Mollucas) and reported to Dutch military that there was a big possibility that Dutch would lose their air superiority over Papua if they continued the war. During the Operation Trikora against Netherlands' position over Papua, the air force stationed their units in :
1. North American P-51 Mustang, with seven P-51D based at Laha airbase, Ambon. One aircraft piloted bt Second Air Lieutenant Prasetyo lost due to engine failure during the ferry flight from Makassar to Ambon. The pilot, Second Air Lieutenant Prasetyo, died after bailing out from the aircraft and landed in a high-tide seas and couldn't be rescued by the Air Forces' PBY-5 Catalina due to the extreme weather after Prasetyo's accident
2. 40 MiG-17F/PF aircraft on three airfields; Morotai (in northern Maluku), Amahai (in Seram) and Letfuan (in Banda islands, located in the southwest of Papua). The aircraft have long been stationed in Morotai before Operation Trikora for their air skirmish against PRRI-PERMESTA
Permesta
Permesta was a rebel movement in Indonesia, the name coming from Piagam Perjuangan Semesta . It was declared by civil and military leaders of East Indonesia on March 2, 1957. The center of the movement was in Manado, and the movement was led by Colonel Ventje Sumual...
and the Republic of South Maluku separatists. The primary role of these aircraft were to provide air cover for the airlift and logistic dropper aircraft during the early infiltration to Papua. If the war broke out, these MiG-17F/PF will provide the air cover for the anti-shipping missiles mission of Tu-16 and bombing mission of Ilyushin Il-28
Ilyushin Il-28
The Ilyushin Il-28 is a jet bomber aircraft of the immediate postwar period that was originally manufactured for the Soviet Air Force. It was the USSR's first such aircraft to enter large-scale production. It was also licence-built in China as the Harbin H-5. Total production in the USSR was 6,316...
, also for intercepting Netherland's Hawker Hunter
Hawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a subsonic British jet aircraft developed in the 1950s. The single-seat Hunter entered service as a manoeuvrable fighter aircraft, and later operated in fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles in numerous conflicts. Two-seat variants remained in use for training and secondary...
s based in Numfor, Biak
Biak
Biak features a tropical rainforest climate with nearly identical temperatures throughout the course of the year. The average annual temperature in the city is 27 degrees celsius, which is also generally the average temperature of each day in Biak...
.
3. Four North American B-25 Mitchells and two Douglas A-26 Invaders at Letfuan airbase. Their primary role during the Operation were for transport and providing air cover for the airlift, mostly when P-51 Mustang
P-51 Mustang
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II, the Korean War and in several other conflicts...
and MiG-17F/PF had not been in the air yet. Dutch Lockheed PV-2
PV-2
PV-2 or PV2 may refer to:* Piasecki PV-2, Frank Piasecki's first helicopter* Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon, a World War II Naval Patrol aircraft...
Neptunes were known as the strongest rival for these Letfuan-based units.
4. Eighteen Ilyushin Il-28
Ilyushin Il-28
The Ilyushin Il-28 is a jet bomber aircraft of the immediate postwar period that was originally manufactured for the Soviet Air Force. It was the USSR's first such aircraft to enter large-scale production. It was also licence-built in China as the Harbin H-5. Total production in the USSR was 6,316...
s stationed first at Laha airbase, but then moved to Amahai airbase, due to the shortness of runway at Laha for the landing of the aircraft.
5. Twenty-six Tupolev Tu-16
Tupolev Tu-16
The Tupolev Tu-16 was a twin-engine jet bomber used by the Soviet Union. It has flown for more than 50 years, and the Chinese license-built Xian H-6 remains in service with the Chinese air force.-Development:...
s were stationed in Iswahyudi airbase near Ngawi, Jawa Timur in 41st and 42nd Squadron. Six aircraft were scrambled to Morotai airbase for the operation. USAF intelligence reconnaissance unit based at Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
, Lockheed U-2
Lockheed U-2
The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed "Dragon Lady", is a single-engine, very high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force and previously flown by the Central Intelligence Agency . It provides day and night, very high-altitude , all-weather intelligence gathering...
, flew over Iswahyudi airbase. The U-2 mission provides the evidence to the Netherlands to prove that Indonesian Air Force have had the capability of strategic bombing, which will threaten the Dutch forces in Papua. These units' plan for the Operation, were to endanger the Dutch naval fleet in Papua, mostly to threaten HNLMS Karel Doorman (R81)
HNLMS Karel Doorman (R81)
HNLMS Karel Doorman was a Colossus-class aircraft carrier of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The ship was the British HMS Venerable before she was sold in 1948 to the Netherlands as a light attack carrier. In 1960 she was involved in the decolonization conflict in Western New Guinea with Indonesia...
, the only aircraft carrier of the Dutch naval fleet with the brand new AS-1 missile.
6. Twenty-four Douglas C-47 Dakota s stationed at three airfields; Laha, Amahai and Letfuan. One aircraft piloted by Air Captain Djalaludin Tantu and co-pilot Second Air Lieutenant Sukandar, was downed by a Dutch Neptune. All crews bailed out safely from the aircraft, but soon captured by the Dutch forces after hiding in Papua
7. Ten Lockheed C-130 Hercules s stationed at Halim Perdanakusumah airbase at Jakarta. Despite the warning from United States to not use the aircraft for the operation, it soon scrambled over the Papua for the airlift mission, due to the critical problem of losing more C-47 Dakotas, it was used extensively for the Operation and were intercepted by Hawker Hunter
Hawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a subsonic British jet aircraft developed in the 1950s. The single-seat Hunter entered service as a manoeuvrable fighter aircraft, and later operated in fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles in numerous conflicts. Two-seat variants remained in use for training and secondary...
s and Lockheed P-2 Neptunes. Hercules had the advantage of not being overwhelmed by any Dutch aircraft due to its high altitude flying capability up to 33,000 feet.
8. Six Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-3
The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made...
s and one Convair 240
Convair 240
The Convair CV-240 was an American airliner produced by Convair from 1947 to 1954, initially as a possible replacement of the ubiquitous Douglas DC-3. While featuring a more modern design, the 240 series was able to make some inroads as a commercial airliner and also had a long development cycle...
, under Wing Garuda 011. The aircraft were modified from civilian use to airlift operation, mostly to the cabin.
9. Six anti-submarine Fairey Gannet AS.4
Fairey Gannet
The Fairey Gannet was a British carrier-borne anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning aircraft of the post-Second World War era developed for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm by the Fairey Aviation Company...
s and several PBY-5 Catalinas and two Grumman HU-16 Albatross
HU-16 Albatross
The Grumman HU-16 Albatross is a large twin-radial engine amphibious flying boat that was utilized by the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, primarily as a search and rescue and combat search and rescue aircraft...
(UF-1 variant). These aircraft belonged to the Indonesian Naval Air Force, but supporting the air forces for the Operation. Aircraft were stationed in Liang airbase at Seram, then moved to Morotai airbase. One Gannet AS.4 was lost due to an accident when it crashed into a mountain in Seram island, killing three crews inside the aircraft.
There are also several Bell 47
Bell 47
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
s, Bell Jet Rangers, Mil Mi-4
Mil Mi-4
The Mil Mi-4 was a Soviet transport helicopter that served in both military and civilian roles.-Design and development:...
and Mil Mi-6
Mil Mi-6
|-Facts:*Test pilot N.B. Leshin has set the world record of speed. This event was awarded by the American Helicopter Society.*Small numbers are still in service, most in Siberia plus a small number with the People's Republic of China...
helicopters which were planned to be used for the operation, but were still unprepared during the early phase of inflitration of the operation. Indonesian MiG pilots received training to fly their fighter aircraft in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
before the inflitration campaign. During the infliltration of the airlift campaign, the air forces' special forces, Pasukan Gerak Tjepat (PGT) (now known as Paskhas
Paskhas
The Korps Pasukan Khas is an elite Special Forces Corps of the TNI-AU . Like other elite units in the Army and Navy, Paskhas is a ground combat unit that is capable of operating on land, sea, and air...
) landed in Klamono-Sorong, Papua.
In this period, Indonesian Air Force also took part in the confrontation
Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation
Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation during 1962–1966 was Indonesia’s political and armed opposition to the creation of Malaysia. It is also known by its Indonesian/Malay name Konfrontasi...
with the Malaysian Federation (backed by the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
) along the border of Kalimantan, the Malacca Strait and near the Singapore Border.
The September 30 movement and the overthrow of Sukarno (1966–1970)
The coup attempt led by the 30 September Movement30 September Movement
The Thirtieth of September Movement ) was a self-proclaimed organization of Indonesian National Armed Forces members who, in the early hours of 1 October 1965, assassinated six Indonesian Army generals in an abortive coup d'état. Later that morning, the organization declared that it was in control...
in 1965 changed everything and a new anti-communist regime from the Army, led by Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Suharto, took power. Ties with the Eastern block countries were cut, and thus support and spare parts for the planes became short. By August 1968 the situation was critical, and in early 1970, the Air Force Chief-of-Staff, Suwoto Sukandar, said that the spare parts situation meant that only 15 -20 percent of aircraft were airworthy. The MiG force made its farewell flight with a flypast of Jakarta
Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
in 1970. The relatively new MiG-19s were sold to Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. By October 1970, only one Tu-16 was still flying, but after an in-flight engine failure, it too was grounded.
Rebirth (1970–1980)
Royal Australian Air Force
The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts...
(RAAF) CAC Sabre
CAC Sabre
|-See also:-Bibliography:* Allward, Maurice. F-86 Sabre. London: Ian Allen, 1978. ISBN 0-71100-860-4.* Curtis, Duncan. North American F-86 Sabre. Ramsbury, UK: Crowood, 2000. ISBN 1-86126-358-9....
s — an Australian re-design of the F-86 Sabre — to replace their MiG-21s. The Sabre was used by the TNI-AU until 1982. In 1973, the United States supplied military assistance including T33s
T-33 Shooting Star
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American-built jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the...
trainers and UH-34D helicopters in exchange for four old MiG-21 F-13s. Over the next three years, the US supplied 16 Rockwell
Rockwell International
Rockwell International was a major American manufacturing conglomerate in the latter half of the 20th century, involved in aircraft, the space industry, both defense-oriented and commercial electronics, automotive and truck components, printing presses, valves and meters, and industrial automation....
OV-10 Bronco
OV-10 Bronco
The North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control aircraft...
s counter-insurgency aircraft and F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, in exchange for which the Indonesian Air Force handed over the majority of its remaining MiG-21 F-13s, which were used to form a US Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
Aggressor squadron
Aggressor squadron
An aggressor squadron or adversary squadron is a squadron that is trained to act as an opposing force in military wargames. Aggressor squadrons use enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures to give a realistic simulation of air combat...
. The Indonesian Air Force also took part in the 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor
East Timor
The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor , is a state in Southeast Asia. It comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecusse, an exclave on the northwestern side of the island, within Indonesian West Timor...
. Indonesia also purchased BAE Hawk
BAE Hawk
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
Mk 53s from United Kingdom in the 1970s.
The influence of Western products (1980–1998)
Israeli Air Force
The Israeli Air Force is the air force of the State of Israel and the aerial arm of the Israel Defense Forces. It was founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the Israeli Declaration of Independence...
A-4 Skyhawk
A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...
s. Air Force personnel were sent in secret by different routes and eventually Indonesia received 32 aircraft.
In 1982, Indonesia purchased 16 Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II from the United States to replace their Sabres. These were upgraded in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
from 1995.
During 1986–88, there was a tight competition for the contract to provide a new fighter bomber, between the General Dynamics F-16
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
and Dassault Mirage 2000, (especially after the Indonesian Air Show in 1986). Indonesia ordered 12 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Block 15 OCU as a new fighter to strengthen the Indonesian Air Force in 1989. A follow-up order for 9 more F-16A Block-15 OCU was cancelled in favor of 24 Su-30 MKK, this order was also cancelled due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. The Indonesian Air Force had originally planned to acquire 60 F-16s to cover and defend its 12 million square kilometers of territory. A total of 10 F-16A and F-16B are still in service with Indonesian Air Force: 2 planes crashed in two different accidents. However, only a few of these are still serviceable.
The Indonesian Air Force ordered eight BAE Hawk
BAE Hawk
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
Mk 109s and 32 Mk 209s in 1993. The last of these was delivered by January 1997.
1998–present
In 1999, the Indonesian Military staged a military intervention following the East Timor's referendum. The result was that more than 1,500 were civilians killed and 70 percent of Dili's infrastructure razed. In response, the United States and the European Union both imposed arms embargoes. Although the European Union chose not to renew its ban in 2000, the United States did not lift its embargo until November 2005. During this embargo the Indonesian government turned to RussiaRussia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
to supply them with arms including fighters, helicopters, missiles, radars and other equipment.
In 2002, Indonesian Air Force continued to use all of its assets against local separatists, such as the Free Aceh Movement
Free Aceh Movement
The Free Aceh Movement , also known as the Aceh Sumatra National Liberation Front , was a separatist group seeking independence for the Aceh region of Sumatra from Indonesia. GAM fought against Indonesian government forces in the Aceh Insurgency from 1976 to 2005, costing over 15,000 lives...
(GAM) and Free Papua Movement
Free Papua Movement
The Free Papua Movement is a militant organisation established in 1965 to encourage and effect the violent overthrow of the current governments in the Papua and West Papua provinces of Indonesia, formerly known as Irian Jaya to secede from Indonesia, and to reject economic development and...
(Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM). In the conflict with GAM in Aceh, the Indonesian Air Force utilized OV-10Fs for counter-insurgency actions along with BAe Hawk 53 and 209 with great success.
In July 2003, the Air Force managed to scramble two fully armed F-16 to intercept five U.S. F/A-18 Hornet
F/A-18 Hornet
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to dogfight and attack ground targets . Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and...
s maneuvering over Bawean Island off the Eastern coast of Java island. The incident ended peacefully through a Friend or Foe hand signal. A US spokesman said that the naval aircraft had sought permission to enter Indonesian airspace while escorting a US aircraft carrier, but that the request arrived too late at the air force defense headquarters in Jakarta due to red tape.
In that same year, the Air Force received two Sukhoi Su-27
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a twin-engine supermanoeuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high manoeuvrability...
s and two Sukhoi Su-30
Sukhoi Su-30
The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat military aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.The Su-30 started out as an internal development project in the Sukhoi Su-27 family...
s from Russia. The fighters were partly paid for in Indonesian palm oil. The purchase, however, did not include any weaponry. Unbeknown to most, Seven KT-1b Korean basic trainers were also purchased.
By 2005 the Air Force was experiencing a logistical crisis. The F-16 Fighting Falcons and A-4 Skyhawk
A-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...
, which accounted for 80% of its air combat assets, were at the minimum or nil level of combat readiness.
To respond to the crisis, in 2006, the Indonesian Air Force ordered three Sukhoi Aerospace Su-27SKM
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a twin-engine supermanoeuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high manoeuvrability...
and three Sukhoi Aerospace Su-30MK2
Sukhoi Su-30
The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat military aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.The Su-30 started out as an internal development project in the Sukhoi Su-27 family...
to complete a full squadron. It was also made public that the four aircraft procured in 2003 were inactive and awaiting an upgrade of their communication systems, as they were incompatible with the Indonesian systems in use. The additional aircraft will be ordered with systems complying with the Indonesian and international standards and would also include new weaponry for all variants. A further 12 KT-1b Korean basic trainers were also ordered in 2006.
Future plans, military budgets permitting, include purchasing new F-16C/D Fighting Falcons to strengthen the F-16 squadron, upgrading the current fleet of C-130 Hercules
C-130 Hercules
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport...
to modern C-130Js and buying newer C-130Js to supplement the inventory, purchasing newer advanced trainers and light attack aircraft for COIN
Counter-insurgency
A counter-insurgency or counterinsurgency involves actions taken by the recognized government of a nation to contain or quell an insurgency taken up against it...
operations, purchasing new radars and receiving new logistical equipment from both Western and Russian manufacturers. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense also expressed an interest in buying approximately two squadrons of refurbished Dassault Mirage 2000-5 from France, complete with Matra Magic II and MBDA MICA
MBDA MICA
The MBDA MICA is an anti-air multi-target, all weather, fire-and-forget short and medium-range missile system. It is intended for use both by air platforms as individual missiles as well as ground units and ships, which can be equipped with the rapid fire MICA Vertical Launch System...
air-to-air missiles. France recommended the Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine delta-wing multi-role jet fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Introduced in 2000, the Rafale is being produced both for land-based use with the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations with the French Navy...
to Indonesian Air Force, since Dassault had decided to stop the production of Dassault Mirage 2000. The Indonesian Air Force is also showing interest in the newly made Chengdu J-10
Chengdu J-10
The Chengdu J-10 is a multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by the People's Republic of China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation for the People's Liberation Army Air Force...
Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder
JF-17 Thunder
The PAC JF-17 Thunder , or CAC FC-1 Xiaolong , is a light-weight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Industries Corporation of China, the Pakistan Air Force and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex...
from China, and also the SAAB JAS-39 Gripen from Sweden, all suitable options for succeeding the aging Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II. In March 2008, Indonesian Air Force ordered 8 Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano from Brazil to replace its Rockwell OV-10F Bronco
OV-10 Bronco
The North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control aircraft...
. . Up to 16 more Super Tucano may be acquired eventually.
To date, the Indonesian Air Force has only acquired four types of missiles – the AS-1 Kennel (KS-1 Kometa), AIM-9 Sidewinder
AIM-9 Sidewinder
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile carried mostly by fighter aircraft and recently, certain gunship helicopters. The missile entered service with United States Air Force in the early 1950s, and variants and upgrades remain in active service with many air forces...
, AGM-65 Maverick
AGM-65 Maverick
The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile designed for close-air support. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities....
and AA-2 Atoll (Vympel K-13). There are plans to purchase more advanced air-to-air missiles, such as AA-10 Alamo (Vympel R-27), AA-11 Archer (Vympel R-73), AA-12 Adder (Vympel R-77) and AA-X-13 Arrow (Vympel R-37), as well as other air-to-ground missiles (AS-14
Kh-29
The Kh-29 is a Soviet air-to-surface missile with a range of 10–30 km. It has a large warhead of 320 kg, has a choice of laser, infrared, active radar or TV guidance, and is typically carried by tactical aircraft such as the Su-24, Su-30, MiG-29K as well as the "T/TM" models of the...
"Kedge" (Kh-29
Kh-29
The Kh-29 is a Soviet air-to-surface missile with a range of 10–30 km. It has a large warhead of 320 kg, has a choice of laser, infrared, active radar or TV guidance, and is typically carried by tactical aircraft such as the Su-24, Su-30, MiG-29K as well as the "T/TM" models of the...
), anti ship missiles (AS-17
Kh-31
The Kh-31 is a Russian air-to-surface missile carried by aircraft such as the MiG-29 or Su-27. It is a sea skimming cruise missile with a range of or more and capable of Mach 3.5, the first supersonic anti-ship missile that could be launched by tactical aircraft.There are several variants, it is...
"Krypton" and AS-13
Kh-59
The Kh-59 Ovod is a Russian TV-guided cruise missile with a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system and 115 km range. The Kh-59M Ovod-M is a variant with a bigger warhead and turbojet engine...
"Kingbolt"), general purpose bombs and cluster bombs from Russia, to be carried by their Flankers. At this time, Indonesian Flankers are armed with Indonesian made (US licensed) Mk.82 bombs. There is a possibility that Indonesian Air Force will also purchase extremely long range air-to-air missile Novator KS-172 AAM-L
Novator KS-172 AAM-L
The Novator K-100 is a Russian air-to-air missile designed as an "AWACS killer" at ranges up to 200km. The missile has had various names during its troubled history, including Izdeliye 172 , AAM-L , KS–172, KS-1, 172S-1 and R-172...
, after the Indonesian Army
Indonesian Army
The Indonesian Army , the land component of the Indonesian Armed Forces, has an estimated strength of 328,517 regular personnel. The force's history began in 1945 when the Tentara Keamanan Rakyat "Civil Security Forces" served as paramilitary and police.Since the nation's independence struggle,...
evaluated and showed their interest in purchasing S-300PMU "Grumble" and SA-17 "Grizzly" missiles.
Local weapons are being developed such as P-100 air-to-ground bomb manufactured by CV Sari Bahari Malang, East Java. P-100 has been successfully tested in Su-27 and Su-30 for ground attack missions. Further massive production is subject to approval from Ministry of Defence.
In the visit of US President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
on November 9–10, 2010 in Jakarta, TNI-AU Force was offered 24 ex-USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
Block 32 for free. In October 2011, the House of Representatives has approved the grant. The fighter jets will be upgraded similar to the latest Block 50/52 variant with payment. TNI-AU also progressing in reactivation of the entire 10 units of F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
Block 15 OCU, which resulted in the reactivation of TS-1606, TS-1609 and TS-1612 recently. To replace Fokker F-27, TNI-AU will also finalize their choice to whether buy 6 units of Italian Alenia C-27J
Alenia C-27J
The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a medium-sized military transport aircraft. The C-27J is an advanced derivative of Alenia Aeronautica's G.222 , with the engines and systems of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules...
Spartan or 12 units of Spanish CASA C-295 with 6 units will be shared to another Indonesian governmental institution and joint production with PT. Dirgantara Indonesia. TNI-AU will also buy new variants of Eurocopter EC-725, plans to purchase 9 - 12 units of Lockheed C-130 variant J, finalize their choice for the replacement of F-5E/F Tiger II with either 18 units of Chinese-Pakistan made JF-17 Thunder, Russian Sukhoi Su-35
Sukhoi Su-35
The Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engined supermaneuverability multirole fighter. It is a derivative of the Su-27 'Flanker', and was initially known as the Su-27M. More than a dozen of these were built with some used by the Russian Knights aerobatic demonstration team...
Flanker or Swedish JAS-39 Gripen. New unmanned aerial vehicle
Unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
will also be purchased to strengthen TNI-AU aerial observation in Supadio Air Force Base, Pontianak
Pontianak, Indonesia
Pontianak is the capital of the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan. It is a medium-size industrial city on the island of Borneo. Pontianak occupies an area of 107.82 km² in the delta of the Kapuas River...
, Kalimantan Barat.
On other occasions, Minister of Defense Purnomo Yusgiantoro stated that TNI-AU will gradually purchase a total of 180 Su-27 and Su-30 to complete the needs of 10 squadrons. India also offered TNI-AU Indian-Russian made BrahMos
BrahMos
BrahMos is a stealth supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land. It is a joint venture between Republic of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroeyenia who have together formed BrahMos Aerospace...
missiles to equip its Su-27 and Su-30 Flankers.
Indonesia cooperated with South Korea to jointly develop and procure KFX jet fighters. Indonesia financed 20 percent share of the project and will receive 50 jet fighters while South Korea will get 200 jets. Defense ministry spokesman claimed that the jet fighter would be higher in class than F-16 but lower than F-35. The project was started in 2009 and the first prototype will roll out in 2020. Indonesia has also signed an MOU with China to produce C-907 missiles which will arm the Sukhoi
Sukhoi
Sukhoi Company is a major Russian aircraft manufacturer, headquartered in Begovoy District, Northern Administrative Okrug, Moscow, famous for its fighters...
jet fighters.
In January 2010, Indonesia announced the selection of the Super Tucano
Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano
The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29 is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter insurgency and pilot training missions, incorporating modern avionics and weapons systems. It is currently in service with the air forces of Brazil, Dominican Republic and Colombia,...
as the replacement for the OV-10 Bronco
OV-10 Bronco
The North American Aviation Rockwell OV-10 Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft. It was developed in the 1960s as a special aircraft for counter-insurgency combat, and one of its primary missions was as a forward air control aircraft...
in the counter-insurgency role. The final contract was signed in June 2011 with the the first of four arriving by March 2012.
In April 2011, Indonesia confirmed that it will buy 16 supersonic trainer jets KAI T-50 Golden Eagle from South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
for up to $400 million after an evaluation of the Yakovlev Yak-130
Yakovlev Yak-130
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a subsonic two-seat advanced jet trainer/light attack aircraft or lead-in fighter trainer developed by the Yakovlev design bureau. Development of the plane began in 1991, and the maiden flight was conducted on 26 April 1996...
, Guizhou JL-9
Guizhou JL-9
- See also :- References :...
/FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle and Aero L-159 ALCA
Aero L-159 Alca
|-See also:-References:* Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.-External links:* * * * *...
. It will replace BAE Hawk
BAE Hawk
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
MK-53 trainer jets.
In August 2011, Indonesia announced that it would acquire the Grob G120TP for its basic trainer requirements which would likely replace the FFA AS-202 Bravo
FFA AS-202 Bravo
-See also:-External links:* * *...
and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor trainers.
Force structure
The Indonesian Air Force is headquartered in JakartaJakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
, Indonesia. However, its Order of Battle
Order of battle
In modern use, the order of battle is the identification, command structure, strength, and disposition of personnel, equipment, and units of an armed force participating in field operations. Various abbreviations are in use, including OOB, O/B, or OB, while ORBAT remains the most common in the...
is split into two Air Force Operational Commands (KOOPSAU) (east and west regions) but most of its airbases are located on the island of Java
Java
Java is an island of Indonesia. With a population of 135 million , it is the world's most populous island, and one of the most densely populated regions in the world. It is home to 60% of Indonesia's population. The Indonesian capital city, Jakarta, is in west Java...
. The Indonesian Air Force also has its own elite unit, called Air Force Special Forces Corps (Paskhas
Paskhas
The Korps Pasukan Khas is an elite Special Forces Corps of the TNI-AU . Like other elite units in the Army and Navy, Paskhas is a ground combat unit that is capable of operating on land, sea, and air...
)
- Skadron Pendidikan (Education Squadron),
- Skadron Pendidikan 101, headquartered at Adisucipto International AirportAdisucipto International AirportAdisucipto International Airport is the principal airport serving the Yogyakarta area on the island of Java, Indonesia....
- Equipped with FFA AS-202-18AFFA AS-202 Bravo-See also:-External links:* * *...
, T-41DT-41 MescaleroThe Cessna T-41 Mescalero is a military version of the popular Cessna 172 used by the United States Air Force and Army as well as the armed forces of various other countries as a pilot training aircraft.-Design and development:...
- Equipped with FFA AS-202-18A
- Skadron Pendidikan 102, headquartered at Adisucipto International AirportAdisucipto International AirportAdisucipto International Airport is the principal airport serving the Yogyakarta area on the island of Java, Indonesia....
- Equipped with T-34C, KT-1B
- Skadron Pendidikan 101, headquartered at Adisucipto International Airport
- Skadron Udara Tempur (Air Combat Squadron)
- Skadron Udara 1 "Elang Khatulistiwa" ("Equatorial Eagles"), headquartered at Supadio AirportSupadio AirportSupadio International Airport is an airport in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.-Airlines and destinations:-Accidents and incidents:...
- Equipped with BAE Hawk Mk. 109/Mk. 209BAE HawkThe BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
- Equipped with BAE Hawk Mk. 109/Mk. 209
- Skadron Udara 3 "Sarang Naga" ("Dragon's Nest), headquartered at Iswahjudi Air Force Base†
- Equipped with F-16A/F-16B Block-15 OCU
- Skadron Udara 11, headquartered at Hasanuddin International AirportHasanuddin International AirportSultan Hasanuddin International Airport is located 17 km northeast of Makassar and operated by PT. Angkasa Pura I. The new terminal was opened on 20 August 2008...
- Equipped with Su-27SK/SKM, Su-30MK/MK2, A-4E/TA-4H/TA-4JA-4 SkyhawkThe Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...
- Equipped with Su-27SK/SKM, Su-30MK/MK2, A-4E/TA-4H/TA-4J
- Skadron Udara 12 "Panther Hitam" ("Black Panthers"), headquartered at Sultan Syarif Qasim II International AirportSultan Syarif Qasim II International AirportSultan Syarif Qasim II International Airport is an international airport that serves the city of Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia. The airport is often referred as to SSQ II, SSQ or Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport , and formerly known as Simpang Tiga Airport...
- Equipped with BAE Hawk Mk. 109/Mk. 209BAE HawkThe BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
- Equipped with BAE Hawk Mk. 109/Mk. 209
- Skadron Udara 14, headquartered at Iswahjudi Air Force Base
- Equipped with F-5E/F-5F
- Skadron Udara 15, headquartered at Iswahjudi Air Force Base†
- Equipped with BAE Hawk Mk. 53BAE HawkThe BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
- Equipped with BAE Hawk Mk. 53
- Skadron Udara 1 "Elang Khatulistiwa" ("Equatorial Eagles"), headquartered at Supadio Airport
- Skadron Udara Angkut (Logistics & Transport Squadron)
- Skadron Udara 2, headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma International AirportHalim Perdanakusuma International Airport-Accidents and Incidents:*On 24 June 1982, British Airways Flight 009, a Boeing 747-200 flew through a cloud of volcanic ash thrown up by the eruption of Mount Galunggung, causing the failure of all four engines. The crew diverted the aircraft to Jakarta and it landed safely.-References:* -External...
- Equipped with CN235-110M/220M, F27-400MFokker F27The Fokker F27 Friendship is a turboprop airliner designed and built by the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.-Design and development:Design of the Fokker F27 started in the 1950s as a replacement to the successful Douglas DC-3 airliner...
- Equipped with CN235-110M/220M, F27-400M
- Skadron Udara 4, headquartered at Abdul Rachman Saleh AirportAbdul Rachman Saleh AirportAbdul Rachman Saleh Airport is an airport serving Malang, the second largest city in East Java province of Indonesia. This airport is named after Abdoel Rachman Saleh, an Indonesian aviator and physiologist whose plane was shot down by the Dutch when landing in Maguwo Airfield , Sleman Regency,...
- Equipped with NC212M-200
- Skadron Udara 31, headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma International AirportHalim Perdanakusuma International Airport-Accidents and Incidents:*On 24 June 1982, British Airways Flight 009, a Boeing 747-200 flew through a cloud of volcanic ash thrown up by the eruption of Mount Galunggung, causing the failure of all four engines. The crew diverted the aircraft to Jakarta and it landed safely.-References:* -External...
- Equipped with L100-30, C-130H-30
- Skadron Udara 32, headquartered at Abdul Rachman Saleh AirportAbdul Rachman Saleh AirportAbdul Rachman Saleh Airport is an airport serving Malang, the second largest city in East Java province of Indonesia. This airport is named after Abdoel Rachman Saleh, an Indonesian aviator and physiologist whose plane was shot down by the Dutch when landing in Maguwo Airfield , Sleman Regency,...
††- Equipped with C-130B/C-130H KC-130BLockheed Martin KC-130The Lockheed Martin KC-130 is the basic designation for a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft modified for aerial refuelling. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps, with 38 delivered out of 47 ordered...
- Equipped with C-130B/C-130H KC-130B
- Skadron Udara 2, headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport
- Skadron Udara VIP/VVIP (VIP/VVIP Squadron)
- Skadron Udara 17 "Kereta Kencana" ("Golden Chariots"), headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma International AirportHalim Perdanakusuma International Airport-Accidents and Incidents:*On 24 June 1982, British Airways Flight 009, a Boeing 747-200 flew through a cloud of volcanic ash thrown up by the eruption of Mount Galunggung, causing the failure of all four engines. The crew diverted the aircraft to Jakarta and it landed safely.-References:* -External...
- Equipped with Boeing 737-4U3Boeing 737 ClassicThe Boeing 737 Classic is the name given to the -300/-400/-500 series of the Boeing 737 following the introduction of the -600/-700/-800/-900 series. They are short- to medium- range, narrow-body jet airliners produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The Classic series was introduced as the 'new...
, Boeing 737-2Q8Boeing 737The Boeing 737 is a short- to medium-range, twin-engine narrow-body jet airliner. Originally developed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from Boeing's 707 and 727, the 737 has developed into a family of nine passenger models with a capacity of 85 to 215 passengers...
, F27-400MFokker F27The Fokker F27 Friendship is a turboprop airliner designed and built by the Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.-Design and development:Design of the Fokker F27 started in the 1950s as a replacement to the successful Douglas DC-3 airliner...
, F28 Mk. 1000/Mk. 3000, L100-30, C-130H-30, NAS332LEurocopter Super PumaThe Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-size utility helicopter marketed for both civil and military use. Originally designed and built by Aérospatiale, it is an enlarged and re-engined version of the original Aérospatiale Puma...
- Equipped with Boeing 737-4U3
- Skadron Udara 17 "Kereta Kencana" ("Golden Chariots"), headquartered at Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport
- Skadron Udara Patroli Maritim dan AEWACS (Maritime Patrol and AEWACS Squadron)
- Skadron Udara 5, headquartered at Hasanuddin International AirportHasanuddin International AirportSultan Hasanuddin International Airport is located 17 km northeast of Makassar and operated by PT. Angkasa Pura I. The new terminal was opened on 20 August 2008...
- Equipped with CASA CN235 MPA, Boeing 737-2X9Boeing 737The Boeing 737 is a short- to medium-range, twin-engine narrow-body jet airliner. Originally developed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from Boeing's 707 and 727, the 737 has developed into a family of nine passenger models with a capacity of 85 to 215 passengers...
- Equipped with CASA CN235 MPA, Boeing 737-2X9
- Skadron Udara 5, headquartered at Hasanuddin International Airport
- Skadron Helikopter (Helicopter Squadron)
- Skadron Udara 6, headquartered at Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base
- Equipped with S-58T, NBo105CB, Bell 206Bell 206The Bell 206 is a family of two-bladed, single- or twin-engine helicopters, manufactured by Bell Helicopter at its Mirabel, Quebec plant. Originally developed as the Bell YOH-4 for the United States Army's Light Observation Helicopter program, the 206 failed to be selected...
, H-500 BK-117
- Equipped with S-58T, NBo105CB, Bell 206
- Skadron Udara 7, headquartered at Suryadarma Air Force BaseSuryadarma Air Force BaseSuryadarma Air Force Base is one of 9 Indonesian Airforce bases on Java. It is named after Suryadi Suryadarma, the first commander in chief of the airforce. It is located in the village of Kalijati, in the kabupaten of Subang, ....
- Equipped with Bell 47G-3BBell 47The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
, Bell 204B, EC.120 ColibriEurocopter ColibriThe Eurocopter EC120 Colibri is a 5-seat, single-engine, single main rotor, light helicopter. Jointly designed and developed by Eurocopter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation , Harbin Aviation Industries Ltd and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd at Eurocopter France's...
- Equipped with Bell 47G-3B
- Skadron Udara 8, headquartered at Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base
- Equipped with SA330JAérospatiale PumaThe Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engined medium transport/utility helicopter. The Puma was originally manufactured by Sud Aviation of France.-Development:...
, NSA330LAérospatiale PumaThe Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engined medium transport/utility helicopter. The Puma was originally manufactured by Sud Aviation of France.-Development:...
- Equipped with SA330J
- Skadron Udara 6, headquartered at Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base
- PaskhasPaskhasThe Korps Pasukan Khas is an elite Special Forces Corps of the TNI-AU . Like other elite units in the Army and Navy, Paskhas is a ground combat unit that is capable of operating on land, sea, and air...
(Air Force Special Forces Corps)
Note:
- †These squadrons were combined to make the Air Force's aerobatics squadron and were known as The Blue Jupiter but were dispanded during the 1990s.
- ††Aerial refuelingAerial refuelingAerial refueling, also called air refueling, in-flight refueling , air-to-air refueling or tanking, is the process of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight....
is also assigned to this squadron
Aircraft inventory
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Aircraft! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Role
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Versions
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Inventory
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|On order / Will be Deliver
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Note
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Trainer Aircraft
Trainer (aircraft)
A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate in-flight training of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristics and a simplified cockpit arrangement—allows...
|-
| FFA AS/SA-202 Bravo
FFA AS-202 Bravo
-See also:-External links:* * *...
|
| basic prop trainer
| AS/SA 202-18A
| 40
| 28
|
|
|-
| KAI TA-50 Golden Eagle
|
| advanced jet trainer / light fighter
| TA-50
| 0
| 0
| 16
| Role as Advanced Trainer and Light Ground Attack, Up to 16 ordered at a cost of USD $400 million on 25 May 2011. To be assembled by PT Dirgantara Indonesia
Indonesian Aerospace
Indonesian Aerospace ) is an Indonesian aerospace company in Asia involved in aircraft design, development and manufacturing of civilian and military regional commuter aircraft. The company was formerly known as Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara...
from CKD.
|-
| KAI KT-1 Wongbee
|
| basic prop trainer
| KT-1B
| 12
| 11
| 17
| Further five were ordered in 2008. One unit crashed in Ngurah Rai Airport
Ngurah Rai Airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport , also known as Denpasar International Airport, is located in southern Bali, 13 km south of Denpasar...
, Denpasar
Denpasar
Denpasar is the capital city of the province of Bali, Indonesia. It has a rapidly expanding population of 788,445 in 2010, up from 533,252 in the previous decade. It is located at .-History:...
during exercise.
|-
| Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
T-34 Mentor
The Beechcraft T-34 Mentor is a propeller-driven, single-engined, military trainer aircraft derived from the Beechcraft Model 35 Bonanza. The earlier versions of the T-34, dating from around the late 1940s to the 1950s, were piston-engined. These were eventually succeeded by the upgraded T-34C...
|
| basic prop trainer
| T-34C
| 14
| 14
|
|
|-
| Grob G-120
|
| basic prop trainer
| Grob G120TP
| 0
| 0
| 18
| Contract announced in August 2011. Up to 18 may be acquired.
|-
| Aermacchi SF.260
|
| basic prop trainer
| SF-260M/W
| 19
| 15
|
| 19 were donated by Singapore
|-
| BAe Hawk
BAE Hawk
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
|
| basic jet trainer
----
advanced jet trainer
|Hawk 53
----
Hawk 109
| 20
----
8
| 10
----
8
|
|Hawk 53 to be replaced with T-50 Golden Eagle. Two units were lost in two different accidents, one with tail number TT-5304 crashed at Bendo in 1991 and another one with tail number TT-5307 crashed at Wonogiri in the same year with TT-5304.
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 115
| 78
| 51
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Combat Aircraft
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...
|-
| BAe Hawk 209
BAE Hawk
The BAE Systems Hawk is a British single-engine, advanced jet trainer aircraft. It first flew in 1974 as the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. The Hawk is used by the Royal Air Force, and other air forces, as either a trainer or a low-cost combat aircraft...
|
| light ground attack/COIN (counter-insurgency)
Counter-insurgency
A counter-insurgency or counterinsurgency involves actions taken by the recognized government of a nation to contain or quell an insurgency taken up against it...
| Hawk 209
| 32
| 29
|
|
|-
| Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano
Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano
The Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano, also named ALX or A-29 is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter insurgency and pilot training missions, incorporating modern avionics and weapons systems. It is currently in service with the air forces of Brazil, Dominican Republic and Colombia,...
|
| light ground attack/COIN (counter-insurgency)
Counter-insurgency
A counter-insurgency or counterinsurgency involves actions taken by the recognized government of a nation to contain or quell an insurgency taken up against it...
| A-29A
| 0
| 0
| 8
| 8 ordered; Up to 16 expected to be ordered to replace OV-10, expected delivery in 2012
|-
| Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
|
| multirole fighter
|
F-16A Block-15 OCU
----
F-16B Block-15 OCU
----
F-16C Block 52 (from Block 25)
----
F-16D Block 52 (from block 25)
|7
----
3
----
0
----
0
|7
----
3
----
0
----
0
|24
| Indonesia had a total of 12 F-16 aircraft in 1996 obtained under the Peace Bima Sena program but 2 were lost during different accidents. One aircraft with tail number TS-1604 crashed at Trenggalek, in 1992 and aircraft with tail number TS-1607 crashed at Halim Perdanakusumah airbase, in 1997. Indonesia is set to receive 24 F-16 C/D Block 25 from the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
inventory with F-16 A/B OCU Block 15 currently upgraded to the latest version. The shipment will follow the approval from the United States Congress
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
.
|-
||Northrop F-5E Tiger II
|
| multirole fighter
| F-5E/F
| 16
| 15
|
| 8 F-5E and 4 F-5F were upgraded by SABCA of Belgium under the Modernisation of Avionics Capabilities for Armament and Navigation or MACAN project from the mid to late 1990s. One aircraft with tail number TS-0504 crashed at Goreng Gareng in 1981.
|-
| Sukhoi Su-27
Sukhoi Su-27
The Sukhoi Su-27 is a twin-engine supermanoeuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high manoeuvrability...
|
| air superiority fighter
| Su-27SK
----
Su-27SKM
| 2
----
3
| 2
----
3
|
|
|-
| Sukhoi Su-30
Sukhoi Su-30
The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat military aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions.The Su-30 started out as an internal development project in the Sukhoi Su-27 family...
|
| strike fighter
| Su-30MK
----
Su-30MK2
| 2
----
3
| 2
----
3
| 6
|3 Su-27SKM arrived in September 2000. The aircraft have no weapons. Purchase of additional 6 more Sukhois announced in September 2010.
|-
|KF-X
|/
| multirole fighter
| KF-X/I-FX
| 0
| 0
| 50
| Estimated to enter services by 2020, production date unknown
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 62
| 49
| 88
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Tactical Airlift
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
, Transport
Transport
Transport or transportation is the movement of people, cattle, animals and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, rail, road, water, cable, pipeline, and space. The field can be divided into infrastructure, vehicles, and operations...
, Maritime Patrol Aircraft
|-
| Boeing 737
Boeing 737
The Boeing 737 is a short- to medium-range, twin-engine narrow-body jet airliner. Originally developed as a shorter, lower-cost twin-engine airliner derived from Boeing's 707 and 727, the 737 has developed into a family of nine passenger models with a capacity of 85 to 215 passengers...
|
| VIP Transport
Very Important Person
A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance.Examples include celebrities, heads of state/heads of government, major employers, high rollers, politicians, high-level corporate officers, wealthy individuals, or any other...
----
maritime reconnaissance
Reconnaissance aircraft
A reconnaissance aircraft is a manned military aircraft designed, or adapted, to carry out aerial reconnaissance.-History:The majority of World War I aircraft were reconnaissance designs...
| 737-2Q8
737-4U3
----
737-2X9 Surveiller MPA
| 1
2
----
3
| 3
----
3
|
|
----
The -400 series are ex-Garuda Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia
PT Garuda Indonesia Tbk , publicly known as Garuda Indonesia, is the flag carrier of Indonesia. It is named after the mystical giant bird Garuda of Hinduism and Buddhist mythology. It is headquartered at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, near Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia...
, donated to Air Force
----
Fitted with Motorola AN/APS-135 SLAMMR (Side-looking Airborne Modular Multi-mission Radar)
|-
| Lockheed C-130 Hercules
|
| airlift
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
/transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
----
aerial refuel
Aerial refueling
Aerial refueling, also called air refueling, in-flight refueling , air-to-air refueling or tanking, is the process of transferring fuel from one aircraft to another during flight....
| C-130B/-H/-H-30
----
KC-130B
Lockheed Martin KC-130
The Lockheed Martin KC-130 is the basic designation for a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft modified for aerial refuelling. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps, with 38 delivered out of 47 ordered...
Hercules
| 24
----
2
| 8
----
2
|
| Contract for upgrading of 4 C-130B awarded to ST Aero in 2008. Further upgrades to 6 C-130Bs were awarded to ARINC
ARINC
Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated , established in 1929, is a major provider of transport communications and systems engineering solutions for eight industries: aviation, airports, defense, government, healthcare, networks, security, and transportation...
in July 2010 and Jan 2011. One C-130H crashed in May 2009
2009 C-130H Hercules crash
The 2009 C-130H Hercules crash was an aircraft accident in Indonesia on May 20, 2009. The Indonesian Air Force C-130 Hercules airplane was carrying 112 people and crashed at about 6:30 local time , while flying from Jakarta to eastern Java...
in Magetan, Java.
|-
| Lockheed L-100
|
| transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
/ VIP Transport
Very Important Person
A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance.Examples include celebrities, heads of state/heads of government, major employers, high rollers, politicians, high-level corporate officers, wealthy individuals, or any other...
| L-100-30
| 8
| 6
|
|
|-
| Fokker F-27 Friendship
|
| airlift
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
/transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
| F27-400M
| 7
| 6
|
|To be retired and replaced by EADS/CASA C-295
|-
| CASA CN-235
CASA CN-235
The CASA/IPTN CN-235 is a medium-range twin-engined transport plane that was jointly developed by CASA of Spain and IPTN of Indonesia as a regional airliner and military transport. Its primary military roles include maritime patrol, surveillance, and air transport...
|
| airlift
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
/transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
----
maritime reconnaissance
Reconnaissance aircraft
A reconnaissance aircraft is a manned military aircraft designed, or adapted, to carry out aerial reconnaissance.-History:The majority of World War I aircraft were reconnaissance designs...
| CN-235 110/220M
----
CN-235 MPA
| 16
----
3
| 16
----
3
| 0
----
3
| † For minimal maritime defense till 2014
|-
| CASA C-295
|
| airlift
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
/transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
----
maritime reconnaissance
Reconnaissance aircraft
A reconnaissance aircraft is a manned military aircraft designed, or adapted, to carry out aerial reconnaissance.-History:The majority of World War I aircraft were reconnaissance designs...
----
Airborne Early Warning and Control
| C-295 M
----
C-295 MPA
----
C-295 AEW&C
| 0
----
0
----
0
| 0
----
0
----
0
| 3
----
3
----
3
| † Indonesia agree for license C-295, 40% spare parts from Indonesia. Indonesia build role of transport aircraft, MPA, and AEW&C
|-
| Fokker F28 Fellowship
Fokker F28
The Fokker F28 Fellowship is a short range jet airliner designed and built by defunct Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.-Design and development:...
|
| airlift
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
/transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
| F-28 Mk 1000
----
F-28 Mk 3000
| 5
| 5
|
|
|-
| CASA C-212 Aviocar
|
| airlift
Airlift
Airlift is the act of transporting people or cargo from point to point using aircraft.Airlift may also refer to:*Airlift , a suction device for moving sand and silt underwater-See also:...
/transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
| NC-212-100
----
NC-212-200
----
NC-212-400
|28
----
----
|28
----
----
|
----
----
| †
Upgrading to NC212-200/-400 versions in the near future
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 88
| 69
| 12
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="8" | Helicopters and Non Fix Winged Aircraft
|-
| Eurocopter EC 120 Colibri
Eurocopter Colibri
The Eurocopter EC120 Colibri is a 5-seat, single-engine, single main rotor, light helicopter. Jointly designed and developed by Eurocopter, China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation , Harbin Aviation Industries Ltd and Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd at Eurocopter France's...
|
| light utility helicopter
| EC-120B
| 11
| 11
|
| Replaced the Bell 47G-3B
Bell 47
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
|-
| Sikorsky S-58
|
| utility helicopter
| S-58T
| 12
| 8
|
| Currently being phased out due to service life & lack of spare parts
|-
| Aérospatiale AS 330 Puma
Aérospatiale Puma
The Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engined medium transport/utility helicopter. The Puma was originally manufactured by Sud Aviation of France.-Development:...
|
| troop transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
| NAS 330J
| 11
| 11
|
| †
|-
| Bell 412
Bell 412
The Bell 412 is a utility helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It is a development of the Bell 212 model, the major difference being the composite four-blade main rotor.-Design and development:...
|
| troop transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
| NBell 412S
----
NBell 412HP
|4
----
4
|4
----
4
|
|†
|-
| Bell 204
Bell 204/205
The Bell 204 and 205 are the civil versions of the ubiquitous UH-1 Iroquois single-engine military helicopters. They are type-certificated in the transport category and are used in a wide variety of applications, including crop dusting, cargo lifting, and one of its most common uses, aerial...
|
| troop transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
| Bell 204B
| 5
| 4
|
|
|-
| MBB Bo 105
|
| SAR missions
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
| NBO-105 CB
----
NBO-105 CBS
| 6
----
1
| 6
----
1
|
| †
|-
| Eurocopter AS 332 Super Puma
Eurocopter Super Puma
The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-size utility helicopter marketed for both civil and military use. Originally designed and built by Aérospatiale, it is an enlarged and re-engined version of the original Aérospatiale Puma...
|
| SAR missions
Search and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
/troop transport
Military transport aircraft
Military transport aircraft are typically fixed and rotary wing cargo aircraft which are used to deliver troops, weapons and other military equipment by a variety of methods to any area of military operations around the surface of the planet, usually outside of the commercial flight routes in...
----
VIP transport
Very Important Person
A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance.Examples include celebrities, heads of state/heads of government, major employers, high rollers, politicians, high-level corporate officers, wealthy individuals, or any other...
|
NAS-332 Super Puma
----
NAS-332 Super Puma VVIP
|7
----
2
|7
----
2
| 7
| †
A total of 16 has been ordered since 1998
|-
|
|
|
| Total
| 63
| 58
| 7
|
† locally produced by Indonesian Aerospace
Indonesian Aerospace
Indonesian Aerospace ) is an Indonesian aerospace company in Asia involved in aircraft design, development and manufacturing of civilian and military regional commuter aircraft. The company was formerly known as Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara...
Commanders
The following have served as Chief of the Air Staff:| No | Name | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soerjadi Soerjadarma | 9 April 1946 | 19 January 1962 |
| 2 | Omar Dani | 19 January 1962 | 24 November 1965 |
| 3 | Sri Mulyono Herlambang | 27 November 1965 | 31 March 1966 |
| 4 | Roesmin Noerjadin | 31 March 1966 | 10 November 1969 |
| 5 | Soewoto Sukendar | 10 November 1969 | 28 March 1973 |
| 6 | Saleh Basarah | 28 March 1973 | 4 June 1977 |
| 7 | Ashadi Tjahyadi | 4 June 1977 | 26 November 1982 |
| 8 | Soekardi | 26 November 1982 | 11 April 1986 |
| 9 | Oetomo | 11 April 1986 | 1 March 1990 |
| 10 | Siboen Dipoatmodjo | 1 March 1990 | 23 March 1993 |
| 11 | Rilo Pambudi | 23 March 1993 | 15 March 1996 |
| 12 | Sutria Tubagus | 15 March 1996 | 3 July 1998 |
| 13 | Hanafie Asnan | 3 July 1998 | 25 April 2002 |
| 14 | Chappy Hakim | 25 April 2002 | 23 February 2005 |
| 15 | Djoko Suyanto Djoko Suyanto Air Chief Marshal Djoko Suyanto was the Commander-in-Chief of the National Armed Forces of Indonesia from 2006 to 2007. He is currently the Coordinating Minister for Legal, Political and Security Affairs.... |
23 February 2005 | 13 February 2006 |
| 16 | Herman Prayitno Herman Prayitno Air Marshal Herman Prayitno was the Indonesian Air Force's Chief of the Air Staff from 13 February 2006 until 28 December 2007.... |
13 February 2006 | 28 December 2007 |
| 17 | Subandrio Soebandrio (Indonesian Air Force officer) Air Chief Marshal Soebandrio was the Indonesian Air Force's Chief of the Air Staff. He took over from Air Marshal Herman Prayitno on 28 December 2007, and was replaced by Air Chief Marshal Imam Sufaat on 7 November 2009.... |
28 December 2007 | 7 November 2009 |
| 18 | Marshal Imam Sufaat | 7 November 2009 | present |
Retired aircraft
Douglas A-4 SkyhawkA-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...
: TA-4H/TA-4J 2 each, 2005 de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo
De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo
The de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo is a short takeoff and landing utility transport, a turboprop aircraft developed from the earlier piston-powered DHC-4 Caribou...
: DHC-5D, 3
Notable incidents
- A Fokker F-27 crashed on the 6th of April 2009, killing all 24 occupants. There were 6 crew, an instructor and 17 special forces trainees on board.
- A Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules, Model 382G-57C, A-1325, c/n 4917 crashed on the 20th of May, 2009, killing at least 97 people and injuring 15 others, including some on the ground. The airplane was carrying 98 passengers and 14 crew at the time and was travelling from Halim Perdanakusuma International AirportHalim Perdanakusuma International Airport-Accidents and Incidents:*On 24 June 1982, British Airways Flight 009, a Boeing 747-200 flew through a cloud of volcanic ash thrown up by the eruption of Mount Galunggung, causing the failure of all four engines. The crew diverted the aircraft to Jakarta and it landed safely.-References:* -External...
in JakartaJakartaJakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
to West Papua via SulawesiSulawesiSulawesi is one of the four larger Sunda Islands of Indonesia and is situated between Borneo and the Maluku Islands. In Indonesia, only Sumatra, Borneo, and Papua are larger in territory, and only Java and Sumatra have larger Indonesian populations.- Etymology :The Portuguese were the first to...
. Officials have stated that the plane crashed at about 6:30 a.m. around 5–7 kilometres from the Iswahyudi Air Force Base (160 kilometres east of Yogyakarta). An official statement has not been released.
Radars and missiles
In July 2011, the Indonesian Air Force has already had 18 radars from the ideal number of 32 radars. The rest will be deployed gradually in East Indonesia such as MeraukeMerauke
Merauke is a town considered to be one of the easternmost towns in Indonesia, located in Merauke Regency, Papua province, Indonesia. It is next to Maro River.In 2006 it had a population of 71,838....
and Timika
Timika
Timika is a chartered city , and the capital of Mimika Regency of Papua, Indonesia....
.
The Air Force uses the following missiles:
- Air to Air
- AIM-9 Sidewinder (on their F-16A/B, BaE Hawk 53/109/209 and F-5E/F)
- R-73 AA-11 Archer(On Su-27/30)
- R-27 AA-10 Alamo(On Su-27/30)
- R-77 AA-12 Adder(On Su-27/30)
- Air To Ground
- AGM-65 Maverick (On BaE Hawk 209 and F-16A/B)
- Kh-29 AS-14 Kedge(on Su-30)
- Kh-31 AS-17 Krypton(on Su-30)
- Kh-59 AS-13 Kingbolt(on Su-30)
Unmmanned aerial vehicle
Indonesian Air Force will deploy one squadron of Unmanned aerial vehicleUnmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle , also known as a unmanned aircraft system , remotely piloted aircraft or unmanned aircraft, is a machine which functions either by the remote control of a navigator or pilot or autonomously, that is, as a self-directing entity...
s (UAV) with at least 6 UAVs at Supadio Airport
Supadio Airport
Supadio International Airport is an airport in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia.-Airlines and destinations:-Accidents and incidents:...
at December 2011 - January 2012, West Kalimantan
West Kalimantan
West Kalimantan is a province of Indonesia. It is one of four Indonesian provinces in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. Its capital city Pontianak is located right on the Equator....
. The UAVs may be bought from South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
.
Further reading
- Carlo Kopp, 'Indonesia's Air Capacity of Critical Concern to Australia,' Australian Aviation magazine, April 1993, pages 32–41
External links
- Official Website of TNI-AU (Air Force)
- Watch Su-30mk2 Indonesian Air Forces video from You Tube
- Indonesian Air Force