Indonesia Chooses Russian and Chinese Trainers

By: David Donald

November 20, 2009
Aircraft

Recently installed chief of staff of the Indonesian air force vice marshal Imam Safaat outlined a modernization plan for the service’s pilot training while speaking at the ceremony in which he took over from Marshal Subandrio. The Indonesian air force has operated some 20 Hawk Mk 53s and eight OV-10 Broncos for approximately 30 years, and to upgrade the training program they need to be replaced.

According to Imam, the air force has identified the Russian Yakovlev Yak-130 or Chinese Guizhou FTC-2000 (JL-9) Mountain Eagle as the optimum replacement and will soon propose a purchase to the government. In the case of both types, Indonesia could become the first export customer.

The air force is also aiming to replace its Northrop F-5E fighters from 2013.

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