At least 18,580 personnel of the Indonesian Military joined the demonstration.Surabaya, E. Java (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Military conducted a show of force of main weaponry systems on the 69th anniversary celebration of the Indonesian Military (TNI) at Ujung East Fleet Seaport, Surabaya City, in East Java Province.
The Indonesian Army and Navy have several new main weaponry systems such as the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Leopard from Germany and three Multi Role Light Frigates (MRLF) from England: Indonesian Ship (KRI) Bung Tomo-357, KRI John Lie-358 and KRI Usman Harun-359.
The Army also displayed weapon systems such as the Marder tank, Mistral rocket and 155mm/Caesar howitzer of France. The Air Force displayed several military aircraft such as the CN-235 MPA, T-50i Golden Eagle, Sukhoi SU-30 MK2, CN-295, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Hercules C-130 and Super Tucano.
The Army deployed 192 units of defense systems, including 22 Leopard tanks, 22 Marder tanks, 13 Tarantula tanks, 13 Scorpio tanks, six 155mm Caesar and 43 aircraft.
The Navy deployed 195 units of main weaponry systems, including 35 Indonesian Ships, 10 LVT-7, 6 BVP, 26 BMP 3F1, 4 RM70 Grad and 23 aircraft.
The Air Force deployed 139 aircraft, including 12 Sukhoi Su27/30 Flanker, 3 units of F-5E Tiger, 10 units of F16 Fighting Falcon, 12 units Hawk 109/209, 3 units Super Tucano, a unit of C-130 Tanker and three units of Boeing 737.
Three units of training aircraft from the Navy conducted a fly-past and displayed a banner, which read "The True Patriot, Professional and Loved by People," during the ceremony in Ujung Seaport.
Some soldiers from three corps marched to the TNI Marching song.
Besides this, five Sukhoi jet fighters conducted a fly-past, and one of them launched a flare as part of the demonstration.
During the exhibition, the TNI demonstrated several features of the main weaponry systems such as submarine missile shooting, Rubber Duck operation and artillery shooting assistance.
They also conducted a free fall demo, infiltration demo, and ship boarding by using a rubber boat and fast rope.
At least 18,580 personnel of the Indonesian Military joined the demonstration.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, Vice-President Boediono and Herawati Boediono attended the celebration along with TNI Commander General Moeldoko, Army Chief of Staff General Gatot Nurmantyo, Navy Chief of Staff Marsetio and Air Force Chief of Staff Ida Bagus Putu Dunia.
Several ministers in the United Indonesia Cabinet II and some foreign ambassadors to Indonesia also attended the anniversary celebration.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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