Indonesia's Defense Forces accept F-16 fighter jets grant from U.S.

Indonesia's Defense Forces accept F-16 fighter jets grant from U.S.

2011-02-28 10:43:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Indonesia's Defense Forces (TNI) on Monday morning accepted a U.S. grant consisting of two squadrons of F-16/B Fighting Falcons, officials said.

TNI commander Admiral Agus Suhartono told Indonesia's Antara news agency that the agreement had been accepted and sent to the country's Defense Ministry, although U.S. confirmation is now pending.

Suhartono explained that TNI had programmed procurement for new F-16 aircraft from the U.S. in 2014 but the expenses would be reduced by accepting the grant.

Furthermore, Suhartono explained that the 24 fighters could be additionally upgraded with the latest avionic and weapon systems, which would make them comparable to the newest versions of the F-16, the C/D Block 52.

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