... We have old and new main equipment of the arsenal system. We are still using the old ones but have to maintain it...Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Defense Forces Commander's candidate, General Gatot Nurmantyo, has committed to procuring new aircraft instead of grants or used aircraft in future.
"I have communicated with the House of Representatives Commission I that the aircraft must be new. The next supply must have new aircraft, except the aircraft that have already been ordered," Nurmantyo stated after undergoing the fit and proper test at the House of Representatives' complex on Tuesday.
Nurmantyo noted that the aircraft are different as compared to the other main equipment used by the defense forces. If the aircraft has any defect, it would crash like C-130 Hercules belonged to 32nd Squadron and others.
He stated that all aging main equipment of the arsenal system should be replaced with the new, so that the Army personnel can ably perform their duties.
The purchase of the main equipment of the arsenal system from abroad should also include the transfer of technology in order to achieve standalone production and reduce dependence on other countries, the major general affirmed.
"We have old and new main equipment of the arsenal system. We are still using the old ones but have to maintain it," he pointed out.
According to Nurmantyo, Indonesia has 12 Hercules aircraft manufactured in1964 and 12 other aircraft manufactured in 1975 or newer. He said that the Army cannot ground them, as it has no other aircraft.
The major general cited the example of Singapore and Bangladesh that are still using Hercules manufactured in 1964, as they conduct periodic maintenance and checks.
"The aircraft are inspected after every 50 flight hours and thereafter every three years and six years," he added.
Reporter: Imam Budilaksono
Editor: Ade P Marboen
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