Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is set to acquire multiple T-50 fighter jets manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries over the course of 2025 and 2026, TNI AU Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tony Harjono stated.
"Based on my firsthand review, aircraft from the Korea Aerospace Industry are remarkable. We have been using such jets and will receive more of them starting from 2025 to 2026," he told the media during a discussion held at TNI AU's headquarters in East Jakarta on Monday.
However, Harjono neither divulged details on the number of fighter jets to be received nor the value of their procurement contract.
The marshal stated that the ordered aircraft would be stationed in several squadrons, with the main objective of beefing up Indonesia's airspace defense posture.
Furthermore, the air force chief revealed that Indonesia would fortify its air power by procuring aircraft from other nations, including the French multirole fighter jet Dassault Rafale, in 2026.
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He then revealed that this year, Indonesia's Ministry of Defense had agreed on a contract for the procurement of 12 Anka drones manufactured by Turkish Aerospace.
The contract stipulates that half of the drones will be manufactured in Indonesia, and the rest will be sent to the country within 32 months of the contract taking effect.
Previous procurements
In 2021, the Defense Ministry signed a contract worth USD240 million with Korea Aerospace Industry for the purchase of several T-50 aircraft.
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Based on the contract, the ordered fighter jets were delivered to Indonesia gradually from December 16, 2021, to October 30, this year.
A similar contract, valued at USD400 million, was signed in 2011 for the procurement of 16 T-50 aircraft.
