President Jokowi Inspects Weaponry Defense System in E. Java

President Jokowi inspects the Primary Weaponry Defense System (Alutsista) at Iswahjudi Air Force Base, in Magetan regency, East Java province, Friday (08/08). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Friday (03/08) inspected the Primary Weaponry Defense System (Alutsista) at Iswahjudi Air Force Base, in Magetan regency as a part of working visit to East Java province.

President Jokowi who was accompanied by Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Force (TNI) Gen. Agus Subiyanto, Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo checked on the condition of three fighter aircrafts, among others two units of F-16 aircraft and one T-50 aircraft.

Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo told the President that the F-16 AM/BM aircraft, which is among the units observed by the President, has upgraded.

“Though both aircrafts have the same type, F-16, they have different capabilities because the F-16 AM/BM which is displayed in the middle has experienced improvements in avionics and structural capabilities. We named it the F-16 EMLU. The plan is to have 10 of these, but now we only have 7 units,” he said.

With that upgrade, the F-16 AM/BM is expected to engage in a fight by using guided, smart munition with beyond visual range system. Meanwhile, F-16 C/D aircraft is more conventional.

“We expect the upgrade can make up for time spent waiting for the arrival of new Rafale aircrafts in 2026,” he added.

For the record, the T-50 is manufactured by South Korea and used for fighter pilots early in their careers. It is considered a capable weapon because it is equipped with radar and guns which were not available in previous type. After the upgrade, the radar will be more advanced compared to that of F-16’s.

After inspecting the fighter aircrafts, President Jokowi also witnessed the performance of aviation attractions where a number of aircrafts and helicopters carried out aerial drop of aid.

“Aerial drop of aid can be done in war operation and operations other than war,” Air Marshal Fadjar said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat /AIT) (RAS/LW)