The training operation began on March 12, 2015, will conclude on March 31, 2015.
The Chief of the fourth command sector First Marshall Fachri Adamy said the routine operation that will cover aerial space from Ambon to Papua has been aimed at increasing the efficiency of its men in guarding the national aerial space.
"Through the Tangkis Petir operation, our Air Force personnel can gather more experience and guard Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke, more efficiently," Fachri noted.
Fachri expressed hope that the training operation will go as planned. He revealed that an aviation expo has also been organized at Manuhua Biak Air Base.
"The aviation expo will encourage Papuan youths to learn more about the duties of Indonesian Air Force personnel and how they guard Indonesias air space, particularly in provinces such as Papua, West Papua, and Maluku," Fachri remarked.
Meanwhile, Commander of Manuhua Biak Airbase Gustav Brugman invited people in Biak to visit the aviation expo.
"The expo that has Sukhoi jet fighters on display can ignite childrens curiosity about the duties of Indonesian Air Force men," Gustav noted.
The Indonesian Air Force has several jet fighters, such as Sukhoi Su-27, Su-30Mk, T-50 Golden Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-5 E Tiger, and Hawk MK109, to guard the countrys air space.
The Air Force also has four radars in the eastern region: They are the 242 Radar Unit in Biak, 243 Radar Unit in Timika, 244 Radar Unit in Merauke, and 245 Radar Unit Saumlaki in South East Maluku.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
