The exhibition displays the Indonesian military aircraft and weaponry."
Biak, Papua (ANTARA News) - The national air defense command of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) in Biak Numfor District, Papua Province, held a static air defense exhibition at the Manuhua airbase on Sunday.

"The air defense exhibition may serve as a means to inform the Indonesian people of the TNI AU`s weaponry in securing the air territory of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke," the command`s chief, Air Commodore Asnam Muhidir, said here.

He expressed hope the static show can draw the people`s attention to the airspace defense and the TNI AU.

Several military planes displayed at the exhibition consisted of four F 16 jet fighter planes and C 130 Hercules cargo aircraft of the TNI AU`s Squadron III.

The static show is a part of exercise called Cakra and the command`s operations in Biak.

During the show the TNI AU`s Special Forces (Paskas) also conducted skydiving from C 130 Hercules. The exhibition was also aimed at encouraging youths` interests to become TNI AU soldiers.

"The exhibition displays the Indonesian military aircraft and weaponry. Through the exhibition, we can see for ourselves the condition of jet fighters and the performance of TNI AU soldiers in defending the air territory of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia," Fatima, an exhibition visitor, said.

Besides serving as a means of learning, she said the exhibition also enabled the public to understand soldiers and get information on air defense equipment of the TNI AU.

At least four F 16 jet fighters and a C 130 Hercules plane were parked in the yard of Manuhua airbase.

Many visitors took the opportunity to ask about the TNI AU and take pictures of the airplanes as well as air crew members.

In order to strengthen the air defense, the TNI AU has several new military planes consisting of EMB Super Tucano, and Sukhoi 30 MK.

Indonesia also has put an order for 16 fighter training jets of T 50 Golden Eagle to South Korea.

The TNI AU has sent six of its pilots to South Korea to attend six-month training on the new jet fighters.
(Uu.B019/S012)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2013