Posted on 11/11/2010 8:42:53 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Indonesia should make a decision on a mid-life upgrade for its Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs in 2011 or 2012, but could also buy an additional batch of six Block 50/52 fighters.
If the upgrade takes place it will extend the service life of the Indonesian air force's current F-16s from 4,000 to 8,000 flight hours, and make them as capable as new-build models, says an industry source. An upgrade to all 10 aircraft is likely to cost around $150 million.
Modernisation work would take one year per aircraft, with the work to be conducted in Indonesia using kits provided by Lockheed, according to details revealed at the tri-service Indo Defence Expo & Forum in Jakarta. The air force also wants to acquire Falcon Star and Falcon Up upgrades for its current fighters.
In addition, Lockheed is pushing for Indonesia to purchase six more F-16s in the Block 50/52 configuration to give it a full squadron of 16 operational aircraft.
Another option, albeit less likely, would be for the nation to replace its current F-16s with ex-US Air National Guard Block 50/52 airframes. However, these would have a remaining service life of only 1,500h each and be less compatible with the US Air Force's support system for the type.
(Excerpt) Read more at flightglobal.com ...
Pathetic. A country its size with serious territorial disputes vis-a-vis the Chinese really ought to have hundreds of F-16’s, not a dozen. My guess is that they’re counting on Uncle Sam to keep the Chinese off their backs.
There is probably a reason. Indonesia terrorism in very common and they are linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated Jemaah Islamiyah Islamist terror group. Their targets have been to “western targets”.
You're saying we won't sell to them? They don't have to buy F-16's. The Russians will sell them all the SU-27's they want. The Europeans will sell them Eurofighters and Rafales. Their front line interceptors consist of the dozen-odd F-16's mentioned in the article. The basic problem is that Indonesia is counting on Uncle Sam to fight their battles for them. Notwithstanding the occasional BS in regard to Islamic nutjob preachers, Indonesia's elite are irreligious to a fault and send their kids to American schools. Just a few months ago, a woman held the second-most powerful spot in the government (next to the presidency) - the post of Finance Minister (i.e. Treasury Secretary equivalent) - until she got involved in a corruption scandal.
IMHO,as soon as they get control of their “problem” then we can talk business. They will get their planes. I do not like selling weapons to nations(ie Pakistan among others) who have a poor record of handling terrorists.
Or are in danger of becoming radical-Islam controlled nations, like Pakistan & Indonesia. I say we don't sell them squat.
Sometimes I think the benefits of an Indian Ocean asteroid strike like in Pournelle/Niven's FOOTFALL would outweigh the loss of Australia & New Zealand.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.