World, Asia - Pacific

Indonesian Air Force plans to buy new Super Hercules transport aircraft

Air Force Chief of Staff Prasetyo says purchase will significantly increase national capabilities

Erric Permana  | 09.09.2021 - Update : 09.09.2021
Indonesian Air Force plans to buy new Super Hercules transport aircraft FILE PHOTO

JAKARTA, Indonesia

The Indonesian Air Force is planning to procure the latest series of C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft produced by US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo said he believes the purchase will significantly improve the capabilities of the air force.

“By procuring C-130 J type aircraft, I believe we will be able to increase our Air Force capabilities, especially in air transport operations,” Prasetyo said earlier this week during a visit to the aircraft factory in the US state of Maryland.

But he did not reveal further details of the procurement program, such as the number of aircraft ordered or the price of the contract.

During his visit along with other officials, they were briefed about the development of the Hercules aircraft and observe the production line.

“I hope this visit will provide a better understanding of the C-130J and its training facilities so that the Indonesian Air Force can improve the operational capabilities from these aircraft,” added Prasetyo.

The Hercules aircraft was involved in almost every military operation, humanitarian aid, and disaster mitigation, according to Prasetyo.

"Moreover, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Air Force's C-130 has an important role particularly in distributing vaccines and various medical equipment across the country,” he said.

The Indonesian Air Force currently has 30 Hercules C-130 aircraft in service.

The aircraft was operated by three air squadrons -- Air Squadron 31 at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, Air Squadron 32 at Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Force Base in Malang and Air Squadron 33 at Sultan Hassanudin Air Force Base in Makassar.

*Writing by Maria Elisa Hospita in Jakarta

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