TNI commander Admiral Agus Suhartono said to ANTARA here on Monday the process of agreement had been conveyed to the ministry of defense and confirmation was now being waited from the US.
"The process is still going on. It has been followed up by the ministry of defense and we are now waiting for confirmation from the US regarding Indonesia`s decision to accept the offer," he said.
"TNI has actually programmed procurement for new F-16 planes from the US in 2014 which are more sophisticate. In terms of price however it will be cheaper if we accept the grant of two squadron of F-16," he said.
In terms of technology, he said, the 24 fighters could be upgraded with the latest technology equal to that of F-16 C/D Block 52 which is the newest type of F-16.
"The avionic system could be upgraded as well as their weapon system. So the F-16 fighters granted are still reliable weapons to give deterrent effect," he said.
Even they could still be operated until the next 25 years. "So it is more efficient and effective for us to accept the grant rather than to buy six new planes of the type," he said.
Air Force spokesman Real marshal Bambang Samoedro meanwhile said TNI hoped the grant would soon be able to meet its needs for a fighting squadron maximally.
"With the grant the air force could soon get additional fighter jets and must not have to wait until 2014. It will be better in terms of deterrent effects," he said.(*)
Editor: Ruslan Burhani
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