So far the National Defense Forces (TNI) only had 76 helicopters of various types which were operated by the Army, Navy and Air Force, Purnomo Yusgiantoro said.
Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - The government will increase its fleet of military helicopters by 50 percent from the present 76 units to support combat and non-combat operations, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said.

The minister made the statement here on Friday after witnessing the handing over of three Bell-412 type helicopters from PT Dirgantara Indonesia (aircraft maker) to the defense ministry.

So far the National Defense Forces (TNI) only had 76 helicopters of various types which were operated by the Army, Navy and Air Force, he said.

"It has become the homework of the government, defense ministry and military as users. This will support the minimum main power as we have stipulated," the minister said.

As many as 23 of the 76 helicopters are used by the Army, ten by the Navy and the rest by the Air Force, Purnomo said, adding they were Pumas, Super Pumas, Bolcow-105s, Bell-412s, Mi-17s and Mi-35s.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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