The Indonesian Air Force has upgraded the airport`s level from type B to type A.Pekanbaru, Riau (ANTARA News) - The Roesmin Nurjadin Airbase in Pekanbaru City of Riau Province will have an additional fighter squadron of F-16 Fighting Falcon jet aircraft.
"The type A airport must have two squadrons. Currently, we already have a Hawk 100/200 Squadron. Meanwhile, we will add a squadron of F-16s immediately," Chief of the First Air Force Operation Command First Marshal Agus Dwi Putranto stated here on Monday.
The Indonesian Air Force has upgraded the airports level from type B to type A.
The Indonesian Air Force operates 16 units of Hawk 100/200 from Roesmin Nurjadin Airbase. Agus revealed that the Air Force will gradually add F-16 aircraft.
"We already have 40 percent of the personnel needed for operating the F-16s. The total number of personnel at the airbase will be increased from 175 to 200," Agus remarked.
The airbases status has been upgraded in accordance with President Joko Widodos program on maritime axis development.
"Upgrading the airbases status is also part of President Widodos program to add more fire power to the Indonesian Air Force by increasing the number of squadrons for transforming the nation into a maritime axis," Agus stated.
Agus remarked that Roesmin Nurjadin Airbase also has an important strategic position due to its proximity to neighboring countries.
"Riau also has an abundance of natural resources and is prone to international crimes including illegal trafficking," First Marshal noted.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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