Indonesian Air Force

TNI-AU
Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara
(Indonesian Air Force)

TNI-AU insignia
Founded 9th of April in 1946
Country  Indonesia
Allegiance President of Indonesia
Type Air force
Role Aerial warfare
Size 37,850 personnel
224 aircraft[1]
Motto(s) Swa Bhuwana Paksa
(Sanskrit, "Wings of the Motherland")
Anniversaries 9 April 1946 (founded)
Engagements
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief President Joko Widodo
Chief of Staff Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto
Vice Chief of Staff Air Marshal Hadiyan Sumintaatmadja
Insignia
Roundel & Fin Flash
Roundel 1946–1949
Aircraft flown
Attack Su-30MKK, Hawk Mk. 209, EMB 314 Super Tucano
Fighter F-16 Block 32+, Su-30MKK, Su-27
Helicopter AS332, SA330, MBB Bo 105
Interceptor Su-27, F-16 Block 32+, F-5
Patrol 737-2X9 Surveiller, CN235-220MPA
Trainer KT-1, Hawk Mk.53/Mk.109, T-34, TA-4H/J, AS/SA-202, SF.260
Transport C-130, CN-235, F-28, NC-295, NC-212, 737-2Q8, A400M

The Indonesian Air Force (Indonesian: Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara, TNI–AU) is the air force branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.

The Indonesian Air Force has 37,850 personnel and equipped with 110 combat aircraft. The inventory includes SU-27 and SU-30 as the main fighters (from Russia) supplemented by F-16 Fighting Falcons (from the USA).[2] The Indonesian Air Force is also currently engaging in talks with Russia to purchase 8 Sukhoi SU-35 as a replacement for the already-aging US Northrop F-5 Tiger light fighters in its inventory.[3]

History

Before Indonesian independence (1941–1945)

After World War II ended, Indonesia became the second country (after Thailand) in Southeast Asia to acquire an air force. Indonesian pilots fought against the colonial forces of the Netherlands during 1945–1949 with former Japanese aircraft abandoned at the end of World War II, as well as aircraft of the Netherlands East Indies Air Force (including Curtiss P-36 Hawk (P-36 Mohawk), Brewster F2A Buffalo and Fokker D.XXI fighters; Martin B-10 bombers; Fokker C.X reconnaissance floatplanes) left before the Japanese occupation in 1941.

Indonesian War of Independence / Netherlands 'Police Action' (1945–1949)

Captured Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar used by the Indonesians in the War of Independence. Note the early roundel version.

After the Japanese announced their surrender at the end of WWII, Indonesian nationalist leader Sukarno declared Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945. Several days later, Indonesian People's Security Force (Badan Keamanan Rakyat) was formed to undertake security duties. The Air Division of this force was also formed, using ex-Japanese planes scattered everywhere, especially in the island of Java, including Bugis Air Base in Malang (Established on 18 September 1945). The most numerous of these aeroplanes were the Yokosuka K5Y1 Willow (Cureng) trainers, which were hastily used to train newly recruited cadets. At the time of the founding, there was only one Indonesian holding a multi-engine pilot license from the pre-war Dutch Flying School, Agustinus Adisucipto (but did not have an opportunity to fly during the 3.5-year Japanese occupation). He was assisted by a few Japanese pilots who decided to stay in the newly born country. The new roundel was created simply by painting white on the lower part of the Japanese Hinomaru, reflecting the red and white of the Indonesian flag. The People's Security Force was then re-organized to form a formal armed force. This marked the birth of the Indonesian Air Force on 9 April 1946. However, tensions rose as the Dutch tried to re-claim their former colony and launched an assault on 21 July 1947, destroying most of the planes on the ground. Some planes survived though and were hidden in remote bases.

29 July 1947 was date of the first air operation by the newborn air force as three surviving aircraft, comprising two Yokosuka K5Y1 Willow (Cureng) and a Mitsubishi Ki-51 Sonia (the fourth aircraft, a Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar (Hayabusa) flown by Air Cadet Bambang Saptoadji, should also have been involved in the raid as an escort, but as of when it was launched, the aircraft was not airworthy due to engine troubles)[4] conducted air raids at dawn on the Dutch Army barracks in Semarang, Salatiga and Ambarawa, dropping incendiary bombs. Tactically, these raids did not have any effect on the Dutch positions, but psychologically, it was a great success as it proved that the Indonesian Air Force still existed. The Dutch had previously claimed the destruction of Indonesian Air Force in their assault before and they never expected any attack from the sky. Dutch Curtiss P-40E Warhawks tried to find all the guerrillas' planes, but they were too late to find those "ghost" aircraft which landed quickly in Maguwo Air Base, near Yogyakarta (now, Adisucipto International Airport). Indonesian pro-independence guerrillas tried to save captured aircraft in a number of remote areas, including examples of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero-Sen "Zeke", Aichi D3A "Val", and Mitsubishi G4M "Betty".

Under pressure from the United Nations, the Dutch finally agreed to acknowledge Indonesian independence. Following the 1949 Round Table Conference, sovereignty was officially transferred to the United States of Indonesia. The Dutch armed forces left (but remained in West Papua until 1963) and the aeroplanes were handed over to the Indonesians. These comprised, among others, North American P-51 Mustang, North American B-25 Mitchell, North American T-6 Texan, Douglas A-26 Invader, Douglas C-47 Dakota and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina, which served as the main forces of the Indonesian Air Force for the following decade. During this era, Indonesia received its first jet aircraft; De Havilland DH-115 Vampire. It was also during this era that the national roundels were changed to the red and white pentagon (which was supposed to signify Indonesia's national ideology of "Panca Sila", or the "Five Principles", created by Sukarno in 1945).

de Havilland Vampire of the Indonesian Air Force

Action against rebellions (1950–1961)

B-25 Mitchell bombers of the AURI in the 1950s

Political instability meant that the Indonesian Air Force saw action against several regional rebellions in Indonesia such as PRRI, Permesta, Darul Islam-Tentara Islam Indonesia (DI/TII) and the Republic of South Maluku separatists.

Several Indonesian pilots scored their first kills, including Captain Ignatius Dewanto with his North American P-51 Mustang, who in 1958 shot down a Permesta Douglas B-26 Invader over Ambon. Its pilot, Allen Pope, an American CIA agent, was captured and tried in Jakarta, thus revealing the significant involvement of the CIA's "Operation Haik" in the rebellion.

The most famous Indonesian fighter pilot in this era was Rusmin Nurjadin, who became Chief of the Air Staff from 1966–69. Nurjadin commanded MiG-21 squadrons in 1962–65 and founded an acrobatic team in 1962 that flew the MiG-17F/PF Fresco over some cities in Indonesia. Small numbers of Indonesian Air Force pilots gained their reputation as aces in this era.

Soviet influence (1962–1965)

Indonesian Air Force MiG-21 in the Air Force Museum
Indonesian Air Force B-25 Mitchell at the Jakarta Armed Forces Museum

The rise of the communist party in Indonesia (Communist Party of Indonesia) drew Indonesia closer to the Eastern Bloc. Several Soviet-built aircraft began to arrive in the early 1960s including the MiG-15UTI from Czechoslovakia, MiG-17F/PF, MiG-19S and MiG-21F-13, in addition to Ilyushin Il-28, Mil Mi-4, Mil Mi-6, Antonov An-12 and Avia 14 also from Czechoslovakia. Indonesia also received Lavochkin La-11. Some Tupolev Tu-2 from China also arrived, intended to replace the B-25, but they never reached operational status. These aircraft served along with the remaining American aircraft such as North American B-25 Mitchell, Douglas A-26 Invader, Douglas C-47 Dakota, and North American P-51 Mustang. It was during this period that the Indonesian Air Force became the first Air Force in Southeast Asia which acquired the capability of strategic bombing by acquiring the new Tupolev Tu-16 in 1961, before the acquisition of Ilyushin Il-28 by Vietnam People's Air Force. Around 25 Tu-16KS were delivered complete with AS-1 air-surface missiles. One crashed at the end of 1962.[5][6]

This era also marked the last confrontation with the Dutch in Papua, before the Dutch, again under pressure of the United Nations, left in 1963. Several missions of Taiwan-based Lockheed U-2s from 35th Squadron flew over Maluku (Mollucas) and reported to Dutch military that there was a strong possibility that Dutch would lose their air superiority over Papua if they continued the war.[7][8] During Operation Trikora, the air force was deployed as follows:

Indonesian Air Force P-51

Indonesian MiG pilots received training to fly their fighter aircraft in Egypt before the infiltration campaign.[14] During the infiltration of the airlift campaign, the air forces' special forces, Pasukan Gerak Tjepat (PGT) (now known as Paskhas) landed in Klamono-Sorong, Papua.[15]

Also during this period, the Indonesian Air Force also took part in the confrontation with the Malaysian Federation (which was backed by the United Kingdom) along the border of Kalimantan, the Malacca Strait and near the Singapore Border.

30 September movement and the overthrow of Sukarno (1966–1970)

The coup attempt led by the 30 September Movement in 1965 changed everything and a new anti-communist regime from the Army, led by Major General Suharto, took power. The Air Force Chief Commander, Air Marshall Omar Dani was removed from his position and court-martialed for his purported involvement in the coup. Ties with the Eastern bloc countries were cut, and thus support and spare parts for the planes became short. By August 1968 the situation was critical, and in early 1970, the Air Force Chief-of-Staff, Suwoto Sukandar, said that the spare parts situation meant that only 15–20 percent of aircraft were airworthy.[16] The MiG force made its farewell flight with a flypast of Jakarta in 1970. The relatively new MiG-19s were sold to Pakistan. By October 1970, only one Tu-16 was still flying, but after an in-flight engine failure, it too was grounded.[17]

Rebirth (1970–1980)

An Australian-built CAC Sabre, as used by the Indonesian Air Force.

The Air Force began to be re-equipped by receiving former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) CAC Sabres — an Australian re-design of the F-86 Sabre — to replace the MiG-21s. The Sabre was used by the TNI-AU until 1982. In 1973, the United States supplied military assistance including T33s trainers and UH-34D helicopters in exchange for four old MiG-21F-13s. Pakistan Air Force took over the responsibility to train Indonesian pilots in the Sabre and in logistical aspects of the Air Force. Over the next three years, the US supplied 16 North American Rockwell OV-10 Broncos counter-insurgency aircraft and F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, in exchange for which the Indonesian Air Force handed over the majority of its remaining MiG-21F-13s, which were used to form a US Air Force Aggressor squadron.[18] Indonesia also purchased BAE Hawk Mk 53s from the United Kingdom in the 1970s.

The Indonesian Air Force took part in the 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor.

Influence of American and allied products (1980–1998)

A-4E Skyhawk of the Indonesian Air Force

In the early 1980s, the Air Force, needing modern strike aircraft, organised Operation Alpha to clandestinely acquire ex-Israeli Air Force A-4 Skyhawks. Air Force personnel were sent in secret by different routes and eventually Indonesia received 32 aircraft.[19]

In 1982, Indonesia purchased 16 Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II from the United States to replace their Sabres. These were upgraded in Belgium from 1995.

During 1986–88, there was a competition for the contract to provide a new fighter bomber, between the General Dynamics F-16 and Dassault Mirage 2000. Indonesia eventually ordered 12 F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Block 15 OCU as a new fighter in 1989. The Indonesian Air Force had originally planned to acquire 60 F-16s to cover and defend its 12 million square kilometres of territory.[20] A total of 10 F-16A and F-16B are still in service with Indonesian Air Force: 2 planes crashed in two different accidents. A follow-up order for 9 more F-16A Block-15 OCU was cancelled in favour of 24 Su-30 MKK,[21] but this order was also cancelled due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

The Indonesian Air Force ordered eight BAE Hawk Mk 109s and 32 Mk 209s in 1993. The last of these was delivered by January 1997.

Embargoes 1998–2006

An Indonesian Air Force Lockheed C-130H-30 at Adisucipto International Airport

In 1999, the Indonesian Military staged a military intervention following the East Timor's referendum. The result was that more than 1,500 were civilians killed and 70 percent of Dili's infrastructure razed. In response, the United States and the European Union both imposed arms embargoes. Although the European Union chose not to renew its ban in 2000, the United States did not lift its embargo until November 2005. During this embargo the Indonesian government turned to Russia to supply them with arms including fighters, helicopters, missiles, radars and other equipment.

In 2002, the Indonesian Air Force conducted operations against separatists, such as the Free Aceh Movement ("Gerakan Aceh Merdeka", GAM) and Free Papua Movement (Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM). In the conflict with GAM in Aceh, the Indonesian Air Force utilised OV-10Fs for counter-insurgency actions along with BAe Hawk 53 and 209.

In July 2003, the Air Force scrambled two fully armed F-16 to intercept five US F/A-18 Hornets manoeuvring over Bawean Island off the eastern coast of Java island. The incident ended peacefully through a Friend or Foe hand signal. A US spokesman said that the naval aircraft had sought permission to enter Indonesian airspace while escorting a US aircraft carrier, but that the request arrived too late at the air force defence headquarters in Jakarta due to red tape.[22]

In that same year, the Air Force received two Sukhoi Su-27s and two Sukhoi Su-30s from Russia. The fighters were partly paid for in Indonesian palm oil. The purchase, however, did not include any weaponry. Seven KT-1B Korean basic trainers were also purchased.

By 2005 the Air Force was experiencing a logistical crisis. The F-16s and A-4s, which accounted for 80% of its air combat assets, were at the minimum or nil level of combat readiness. To respond to the crisis, in 2006, the Indonesian Air Force ordered three Sukhoi Su-27SKM and three Su-30MK2 to complete a full squadron. It was also made public that the four aircraft procured in 2003 were inactive and awaiting an upgrade of their communication systems, as they were incompatible with the Indonesian systems in use. The additional aircraft were ordered with systems complying with the Indonesian and international standards and would also include new weaponry for all variants.[21] A further 12 KT-1b Korean basic trainers were also ordered in 2006.

Until 2008, the Indonesian Air Force had only purchased four types of missiles: KS-1 Komet, Vympel K-13, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AGM-65 Maverick. Starting from 2008, it started receiving more advanced Russian made Vympel R-73 and Vympel R-77 air-to-air missiles for its new Su-27 and Su-30 fighters. Also a limited number of Kh-29, Kh-31 and Kh-59 air-to-ground missiles were delivered for Su-30 strike fighters.[23]

Local weapons are being developed such as P-100 air-to-ground bomb manufactured by CV Sari Bahari Malang, East Java. P-100 has been successfully tested in Su-27 and Su-30 for ground attack missions. Large-scale production is subject to approval from Ministry of Defence.

Minimum Essential Force (MEF) 2010–present

During the visit of US President Barack Obama on 9–10 November 2010 in Jakarta, the TNI-AU Force was offered 24 ex-USAF F-16 Block 32 aircraft for free.[24] In October 2011, the House of Representatives approved the grant. The jets will be upgraded similar to the latest Block 50/52 variant with payment.[25] The TNI-AU is also progressing with the reactivation of all 10 units of F-16 Block 15 OCU, which resulted in the reactivation of TS-1606, TS-1609 and TS-1612 recently.[26] To replace the Fokker F-27s, the TNI-AU has ordered nine Spanish CASA C-295 in joint production with PT. Dirgantara Indonesia. New unmanned aerial vehicles will also be purchased to strengthen TNI-AU aerial observation and will be based at Supadio Air Force Base, Pontianak, Kalimantan Barat.

Starting in 2010,[27] Minister of Defence Purnomo Yusgiantoro stated that TNI-AU will gradually purchase a total of 180 Su-27s and Su-30s to complete the needs of 10 squadrons.[28] India also offered TNI-AU Indian-Russian made BrahMos missiles to equip its Su-27s and Su-30s.[29]

TNI-AU Boeing 737-2X9 in 2011

Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding to participate in the South Korean KF-X programme in July 2010 and the terms of agreement was signed in 2011. Indonesia will finance 20 percent of the project and will receive 50 jets in return, while South Korea will get 200 jets. A Defence ministry spokesman claimed that the jet would be more capable than the F-16 but less capable that the F-35. The project was started in 2009 and the first prototype will roll out in 2020. Indonesia has also signed an MOU with China to produce C-705 missiles which will arm the Sukhoi jets.[30]

In April 2011,[31] Indonesia confirmed that it will buy 16 supersonic KAI T-50 Golden Eagle trainer jets from South Korea for up to $400 million after an evaluation of the Yakovlev Yak-130, Guizhou JL-9/FTC-2000 Mountain Eagle and Aero L-159 Alca. The T-50 would replace the BAE Hawk MK-53 trainer jets. Deliveries were completed by January 2014 and were commissioned on 13 February 2014.[32]

In June 2011, Indonesia signed the final contract for 8 Super Tucano as the replacement for the OV-10 Bronco in the counter-insurgency role [33] with a second contract for a further 8 aircraft in July 2012.[34] The first four units arrived in March 2012 with deliveries to complete by 2014.[35]

In August 2011,[36] Indonesia announced that it would acquire 18 Grob G120TP for its basic trainer requirements which would likely replace the FFA AS-202 Bravo and Beechcraft T-34 Mentor trainers.

On 29 December 2011 Indonesia committed to purchase 6 Su-30MK2 jet fighters in a $470 million procurement contract signed by the Defence Ministry and Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport.[37] Deliveries will reportedly start after 2013.[38]

In January 2012, the Australian and Indonesian governments agreed to the transfer of four used C-130H Hercules aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force to the Indonesian Air Force in 2012, which was approved by the US as the Hercules' producer.[39]

In January 2014, Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said that he hoped to start the replacement of the F-5 fighters under the upcoming 2015 to 2020 strategic plan. The Indonesian Air Force shortlisted five candidates for the replacement, comprising the Sukhoi Su-35S, Saab JAS 39 Gripen[40]', Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-16C/D Block 60.[41]

In September 2015, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said Indonesian had chosen the Su-35 Flanker-E to replace the F-5 Tiger II. Although in recent times, the deal to purchase Su-35 is in limbo due to Russia's refusal to give transfer of technology to Indonesia owing its small number of orders in addition to Indonesian concerns over price.[3]

In January 2017, Indonesia approved for the acquisition of 5 Airbus A400M Atlas multi-role aircraft worth USD2 billion, as part of the plans to boost the country's military capabilities. They are to be acquired in both transport and utility configurations and will be operated by the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) Aviation Squadrons 31 and 32.[42]

In 12 May 2017, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu confirm that Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) will sign contract to buy 10 units Su-35. Russia will open the factory for Sukhoi Spare Part in Indonesia as part in the contract.[43]

Special and Ground Forces

Paskhas Corps logo

Paskhas known as (Korps Pasukan Khas) is the special forces and infantry corps of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU). This unit is also known as the Orange Berets (Baret Jingga in Indonesian) because of the colour of their service headgear. Like other elite units in the TNI-AD (Indonesian Army) and TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy), Paskhas is a ground combat unit that is capable of operating on land, sea, and air. Paskhas is trained to seize and defend airfields from enemy forces, and then prepare the airfields to be able to facilitate friendly airplanes to land. This capability is known as Operasi Pembentukan dan Pengoperasian Pangkalan Udara Depan (OP 3 UD) (Frontline Air Base Establishment and Management Operation). Paskhas is the only infantry and special force unit of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) and has many air-oriented combat abilities, such as combat-control team, airfields control, combat Search and Rescue, jump master, or ground-forward air control. They also can operate as Air Traffic Controllers (ATC).

The Special Operations Unit (commando) of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) is known as Satuan Bravo 90 "(SATBRAVO 90)" which is the special operations detachment originating its members from the best chosen soldiers from the Paskhas air force corps. "SatBravo 90" is a specialized unit for hostage rescue of Aircraft hijacking, Anti-terror, and paralyzing heavy enemy equipment.

Force structure

Bases and command areas of the Indonesian Air Force[44][45]

The Indonesian Air Force is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. Its Order of Battle is split into two Air Force Operational Commands (KOOPSAU) (east and west regions). Most of its airbases are located on the island of Java.[46] The Indonesian Air Force also has its own elite unit, called Air Force Special Forces Corps (Paskhas). In addition, the Air Force also manages the National Air Defence Command (KOHANUDNAS), in terms that its commander is always an Air Force two-star Marshal; however, its operational command falls directly under the Commander of TNI (due to the fact that the Command's subordinate units come from all TNI services which have air defence capabilities).

In September 2014 Kapuspen (Kepala Pusat Penerangan) TNI, Mayor General Mochamad Fuad Basya explained the MEF Plan of TNI-AU consisting of

Coat of Arms Squadron Base Planes Notes
Combat Squadron (Skadron Udara Tempur)
Skuadron Udara 1
Elang Khatulistiwa ("Equatorial Eagles")		 Supadio Air Force Base
Pontianak
Skadron Udara 3
Sarang Naga ("Dragon's Nest")		 Iswahyudi Air Force Base
Madiun
Skadron Udara 11
("The Thunders")		 Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base
Makassar
Skuadron Udara 12
Panther Hitam ("Black Panthers")		 Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base
Pekanbaru
Skadron Udara 14
Macan Terbang ("The Eagles")		 Iswahyudi Air Force Base
Madiun		 All F-5 are now retired and only for reserve use. The Indonesian Air Force currently is planning to replace the F-5, shortlisting five candidates for the replacement, comprising the Sukhoi Su-35S, Saab JAS 39 Gripen[40]', Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-16C/D Block 60.[41]
Skadron Udara 15
Team Jupiter ("The Typhoons")		 Iswahyudi Air Force Base
Madiun
Skadron Udara 16[48] Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base
Pekanbaru
Skadron Udara 21 Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Force Base
Malang
Transport and Logistic Squadron (Skadron Udara Angkut)
Skadron Udara 2
Kuda Terbang ("Flying Horses")		 Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base
Jakarta
Skadron Udara 4
("Swifts")		 Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Force Base
Malang
Skadron Udara 31 Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base
Jakarta
Skadron Udara 32 Abdul Rachman Saleh Air Force Base
Malang
Skadron Udara 51 Supadio Air Force Base
Pontianak
Helicopter and Non-Fixed-Wing Aircraft Squadron (Skadron Helikopter)
Skadron Udara 6
Angsa Terbang ("Flying Geese")		 Atang Senjaya Air Force Base
Bogor
Skadron Udara 7
Kuda Sembrani ("Dynamic Pegasus")		 Suryadarma Air Force Base
Subang
Skadron Udara 8
Gajah Terbang ("Flying Elephants")		 Atang Senjaya Air Force Base
Bogor
VIP/VVIP Squadrons
Skadron Udara 17
Kereta Kencana ("Royal Chariots")		 Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base
Jakarta
Skadron Udara 45
Merpati Bermahkota ("Crowned Pigeons")		 Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base
Jakarta
Maritime Patrol and AEWACS Squadron (Skadron Udara Patroli Maritim dan AEWACS)
Skadron Udara 5
Putri Duyung ("Black Mermaids")		 Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base
Makassar
Training Squadron (Skadron Pendidikan)
Skadron Pendidikan 101 Adisucipto Air Force Base
Yogyakarta
Skadron Pendidikan 102 Adisucipto Air Force Base
Yogyakarta

Aircraft

Current inventory

Type Origin Class Role Introduced In service Total Notes
Combat Aircraft
Embraer EMB 314 Brazil Propeller light attack / COIN 15[51][52] 15[51] 16 ordered in two batches of 8, all delivered, one crashed in Malang during flight testing.[53]
Northrop F-5E United States Jet Fighter 8[51][52] 8[51] In storage since May 2016.[54] Will retire. To be replaced by Sukhoi Su-35[3]
General Dynamics F-16A/C Fighting Falcon United States Jet multirole 24[51][52] 24[51]
British Aerospace Hawk 209 United Kingdom Jet light multirole 24[51][52] 24[51]
Sukhoi Su-27/30 Russia Jet multirole 16[51][52] 16[51] Mix of Su-27SK/SKM and Su-30MKK/MK2. 5 SU-27 and 11 SU-30.[55] Su-27 SK/SKM will upgrade.
Maritime Patrol
Boeing 737-200 Surveiller United States Jet maritime patrol 3[52] 3 Special Version of 737 for maritime patrol. Registered AI-7301 to AI-7303
CASA/IPTN CN-235 Spain / Indonesia Propeller maritime patrol 1[52] 1 2 on order
Transport
Boeing 737-200, 400 and 500 United States Jet VVIP Transport 4 4 1 737-200, 2 737-400 and 1 737-500. Registered A-7304 to A-7307. Ex Garuda Indonesia and Bayu Indonesia Air.
Boeing BBJ2 United States Jet VVIP Transport 1 1 Presidential plane, under Sku.17. Registered A-001
Fokker 28 Netherlands Jet VVIP Transport 4 4 1 F28 Mk1000, 2 F28 Mk3000 and 1 F28 Mk4000. Ex Garuda Indonesia and Transwisata.
CASA/IPTN CN-235 Spain / Indonesia Propeller maritime patrol 1[52] 1 2 on order
Lockheed C-130B/H Hercules United States Propeller transport 17[51][52][56] 17[51] 4 are Lockheed L-100’s[57] One crash in December 2016[56]
EADS CASA C-295 Spain Propeller transport 14[52] 14 1 on order
Fokker F27 Netherlands Propeller transport 3[52]
Pilatus PC-6 Switzerland Propeller utility 2[52] 2 STOL capable aircraft
Eurocopter EC 725 H225M Germany / France Helicopter CSAR 1[52] 1 5 on order
Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma France Helicopter transport / utility 9[52] 9
Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma France Helicopter transport / utility 11[52] 11
MBB Bo 105 Germany Helicopter light utility 4[52] 4
Trainer Aircraft
Northrop F-5F United States Jet conversion trainer 3[52] 3 In storage since May 2016.[54] To be replaced by Su-35
General Dynamics F-16B/D Fighting Falcon United States Jet conversion trainer 8[52] 8
BAE Systems Hawk 109 United Kingdom Jet primary trainer 5[52] 5
Grob G 120TP Germany Propeller basic trainer 18[52] 18
SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 Italy Propeller Trainer 18[52] 18
T-34 Mentor United States Propeller Trainer 15[52] 15
KAI T-50 Republic of Korea Jet Trainer 15[52] 15 15 remains in service from the total of 16.One crash in Yogyakarta during Flight demonstration
KAI KT-1 Republic of Korea Propeller primary trainer 14[52] 14 2 on order
EC120 Colibri Germany / France Helicopter Trainer 10[52] 10
F-16 
Hawk Mk-53 
Lockheed KC-130B Hercules (L-282) 
A4 
A Su-30 on take off 
Airtech CN-235 
C-130H Hercules on the tarmac at Langkawi International 
T-50i Indonesian Air force 
Sukhoi SU-30 MK2 
CN 235 during flight 

Strength of Troops

Aviators and Mechanics
Airmen

Air Force Troops Strength

For ground troops and support of the Indonesian Air Force, it is reinforced by two formed forces that both have different tasks and functions which consists of:

  1. Paskhas Corps (Korps Paskhas) which is the main assault and infantry battle unit of the Indonesian Air Force which is qualified for Para-Commando and land warfare consists of:
    1. Bravo Detachment 90 anti-terror unit
    2. Paskhas Escort and Protocol unit (Satwalkol Paskhas) - IDN Air Force HQs
    3. Paskhas Matra Detachment (Denmatra Paskhas)
    4. Paskhas Air Defense Detachment (Denhanud Paskhas)
    5. Para-Commandos Troop (461th-469th Commando Battalion)
    6. Paskhas Combat Support Regiment (Menbanpur Paskhas)
    7. Paskhas Education and Training Centre (Pusdiklat Paskhas)
  2. Air Force Base Defense and Security Unit is formed for security and order within the Air Force bases of the Indonesian Air Force and personnel are recruited from internal units within the force and are usually largely formed of Air Force Military Police (Pom-AU). The unit consists of:
    1. Base Defence Company (Kompi Hanlan) consists of Paskhas personnel equipped with 12,7mm weaponry
    2. Base Security Company (Kompi Kamlan) which is the Tactical Company of the Air Force base consists of Air Force base Organic personnel equipped with Anti-riot and water cannon.
    3. Air Force Military Police Security Forces Battalion (Ton Paspam Pomau)
    4. Air Force Military Police K9 dog Brigade Battalion (Ton Brigan Pomau)

Air Combat Operations Command

  1. Air Assault Command (Komando Serangan Udara)
    1. Airstrike Division
      1. Strategic Air Combat Squadron
      2. Tactical Air Combat Squadron
    2. Paskhas Quick Reaction Assault Troops
      1. 1/2/3 Paskhas Commando Brigade
      2. Paskhas Combat Support Regiment
      3. Paskhas Bravo Detachment 90 Unit
      4. Paskhas Matra Detachment 1/2/3
  2. National Air Defense Command (Kohanudnas)
    1. 100th Wing Paskhas Mid/Long Distance Air Defense
    2. 200th Wing Radar Unit
    3. 300th Wing Air Combat Assault Squadron
    4. 400th Wing Paskhas Short Distance Air Defense
  3. Air Assistance Command (Kodukud)
    1. Aircraft Element (Transport, Reconnaissance, Helicopter)
    2. Main Air Force Base and Air Force Base Elements

Chief of the Air Staff

The following have served as Chief of the Air Staff:

No Name From To
1Air Chief Marshal Soerjadi Soerjadharma9 April 194619 January 1962
2Air Marshal Omar Dani19 January 196224 November 1965
3Air Vice-Marshal Sri Mulyono Herlambang27 November 196531 March 1966
4Air Chief Marshal Roesmin Noerjadin31 March 196610 November 1969
5Air Chief Marshal Soewoto Sukendar10 November 196928 March 1973
6Air Chief Marshal Saleh Basarah28 March 19734 June 1977
7Air Chief Marshal Ashadi Tjahyadi4 June 197726 November 1982
8Air Chief Marshal Soekardi26 November 198211 April 1986
9Air Chief Marshal Oetomo11 April 19861 March 1990
10Air Chief Marshal Siboen Dipoatmodjo1 March 199023 March 1993
11Air Chief Marshal Rilo Pambudi23 March 199315 March 1996
12Air Chief Marshal Sutria Tubagus15 March 19963 July 1998
13Air Chief Marshal Hanafie Asnan3 July 199825 April 2002
14Air Chief Marshal Chappy Hakim25 April 200223 February 2005
15Air Chief Marshal Djoko Suyanto23 February 200513 February 2006
16Air Chief Marshal Herman Prayitno13 February 200628 December 2007
17Air Chief Marshal Subandrio28 December 20077 November 2009
18Air Chief Marshal Imam Sufaat7 November 200921 December 2012
18Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia21 December 20122 January 2015
18Air Chief Marshal Agus Supriatna2 January 201518 January 2017
19Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto18 January 2017present

Rank Structure

In the Air Force, as well as in other armed forces branches in Indonesia, the rank consists of officer known as in Indonesian: "Perwira", NCO "Bintara" and enlisted "Tamtama".

Ranks and Insignias - Indonesian Army

Officers[n 1]

Equivalent
NATO Code 		OF-10 OF-9 OF-8 OF-7 OF-6 OF-5 OF-4 OF-3 OF-2 OF-1 OF(D) & Student officer
Indonesia Indonesia
(Edit)
Marsekal Besar Marsekal Marsekal Madya Marsekal Muda Marsekal Pertama Kolonel Letnan Kolonel Mayor Kapten Letnan Satu Letnan Dua
Marshal of the Air Force Air Chief Marshal Air Marshal Air Vice Marshal Air Commodore Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Second Lieutenant

Enlisted personnel[n 1]

Equivalent
NATO Code		OR-9OR-8OR-7OR-6OR-5OR-4OR-3OR-2OR-1
Indonesia Indonesia
(Edit)
Chief Warrant Officer
Pembantu Letnan Satu		 Warrant Officer
Pembantu Letnan Dua		 Sergeant Major
Sersan Mayor		 Master Sergeant
Sersan Kepala		 First Sergeant
Sersan Satu		 Second Sergeant
Sersan Dua		 Master Corporal
Kopral Kepala		 Corporal
Kopral Satu		 Lance Corporal
Kopral Dua		 Master Airman
Prajurit Kepala		 Airman First Class
Prajurit Satu		 Airman
Prajurit Dua

Notable incidents

Radars and missiles

In July 2011, the Indonesian Air Force has already had 18 radars from the ideal number of 32 radars. The rest will be deployed gradually in East Indonesia such as Merauke and Timika.[65]

The Air Force uses the following missiles:

Missile Origin Type Versions Note
Air-to-air missile[66]
AIM-9 Sidewinder USA Short Range IR guided AIM-9P4 & AIM-9X on F-5E/F, F-16A/B and BaE Hawk 53/109/209
AIM-120 AMRAAM USA Medium Range active radar homing guided AIM-120C on F-16C/D / on delivery[67]
R-73 Russia Short Range IR guided on Su-27 and Su-30
R-77 Russia Medium Range active radar homing on Su-27 and Su-30
MAA-1 Piranha Brazil Short Range IR guided on Super Tucano[68]
Air-to-surface missile[66][69]
AGM-65 Maverick USA Tactical missile On BaE Hawk 209 and F-16A/B
Kh-29 Russia Tactical missile On Su-30
Kh-31 Russia Supersonic Anti Ship Missile On Su-30
Kh-59 Russia TV Guided Cruise Missile On Su-30

Unmanned aerial vehicle

Indonesian Air Force will deploy one squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) at Supadio Airport, West Kalimantan. The Israeli-made IAI Herons were bought on behalf of Indonesia by a Philippine Company called Kital Philippines Corp. for $48 million and will deploy in 2012. Borrowed similar UAVs have been used before during the Mapenduma Operation by the Indonesian Air Force. The UAVs can operate for up to 15 hours with range up to 200 kilometres (120 mi).[70]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 Indonesia is not a member of NATO, so there is not an official equivalence between the Indonesian military ranks and those defined by NATO. The displayed parallel is approximate and for illustration purposes only.

References

  1. ↑ Flightglobal – World Air Forces 2015 (PDF), Flightglobal.com
  2. ↑ Tempo English Edition magazine, 19–25 October 2011 p17
  3. 1 2 3 Jon, Grevatt. "Indonesia reportedly negotiating price of Russian Su-35 fighters". IHS Janes 360. IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  4. ↑ "Mengenal Pesawat Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusa". TNI AU. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  5. ↑ Gordon & Rigmat(2004) p120
  6. ↑ Djoko Poerwoko (2001) p97
  7. ↑ Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Year of 2011, Operasi Trikora, Page 3
  8. 1 2 Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 38.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 38
  10. ↑ Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 40–41
  11. ↑ Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 34
  12. 1 2 Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 44-46
  13. 1 2 3 4 Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 39
  14. ↑ Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 105
  15. ↑ Angkasa Edisi Koleksi No. 73, Operasi Udara Trikora, Year of 2011, Page 77
  16. ↑ [Crouch (2007), p. 240 ]
  17. ↑ [Djoko Poerwoko (2001) p92-96]
  18. ↑ Davies (2008) pp48, 51
  19. ↑ Djoko Poerwoko (2001) p153-155
  20. ↑ "F-16 Air Forces – Indonesia". F-16.net. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  21. 1 2 Niels Hillebrand. "MILAVIA – Sukhoi Su-27 – Operator List". Milavia.net. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  22. ↑ "Indonesia scrambles F-16s to intercept US planes". F-16.net. 4 July 2003. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  23. ↑ "Trade Registers". Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  24. ↑ "Portal InfoPublik- Ditjen Informasi dan Komunikasi Publik". Bipnewsroom.info. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  25. ↑ "US guarantees F-16 deal: House". 26 October 2011.
  26. ↑ Angkasa (Sky) magazine, Gramedia, Jakarta No. 2 Year XXI November 2010. Page 42-43.
  27. ↑ "More Sukhoi Fighters for China, Indonesia". Aviation International News. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  28. ↑ Gatra, Jakarta No. 2 Year XVII 18–24 November 2010. Page 35.
  29. ↑ Gatra, Jakarta No. 2 Year XVII 18–24 November 2010. Page 33.
  30. ↑ "RI, China initiate joint-procurement of missiles". The Jakarta Post. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  31. ↑ "$400m Deal Outlined for S. Korean Jets". The Jakarta Globe. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  32. ↑ "$T50i fighter jets strengthen Indonesian Air Force". Antara News. 13 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  33. ↑ "Indonesia, Embraer sign Super Tucano contract". Flightglobal.com. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  34. ↑ "Embraer to supply additional Super Tucanos to Indonesia". Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  35. ↑ "Air force to get new aircraft next year". The Jakarta Post. 27 May 2008. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  36. ↑ "GROB G120TP wins competition to supply Indonesian Air Force with future trainer aircraft". GROB Aircraft. 16 September 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  37. ↑ "Air Force Inks Deal for Six More Fighter Jets". 31 December 2011.
  38. ↑ "Indonesia buys Russian jet fighters in $500 mln contract". Russia Today. 10 January 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  39. ↑ "Australia, RI prepare for transfer of C-130H Hercules". 4 January 2012.
  40. 1 2 "Saab Offers "100% Technology Transfer" in Bid to Secure TNI Gripen Deal". 19 September 2014.
  41. 1 2 Waldron, Greg (7 January 2014). "Indonesia eyes F-5E replacement options". www.flightglobal.com. Reed Business Information. Retrieved 8 January 2014.
  42. ↑ http://www.defenseworld.net/news/18275/Indonesia_Approves_US_2_Billion_Five_Airbus_A400M_Aircraft_Acquisition#.WIMhh1N97IU
  43. ↑ http://www.tribunnews.com/bisnis/2017/06/13/kemenhan-pastikan-indonesia-beli-10-unit-sukhoi-su-35-dari-rusia
  44. ↑ TNI-AU website access date 1009-2-15 Archived 8 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine.
  45. ↑ Willis, David (Ed) (1999) Aerospace Encyclopedia of World Air Forces Aerospace Publishing London ISBN 1-86184-045-4 p. 292
  46. ↑ "Scramble Magazine: Indonesian Air Arms Overview". Scramble.nl. Archived from the original on 16 September 2011. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  47. ↑ "Menengok Rencana Strategis Minimum Essential Force (MEF) TNI AU th 2009–2024. – JakartaGreater". jakartagreater.com. 30 December 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  48. ↑ "Pembangunan sarana dan prasarana Skadud 16 Lanud Roesmin Nurjadin". tni.mil.id. 17 May 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  49. ↑ "16 Unit Pesawat F-16 Hadir di Pekanbaru". Riau pos.co. 17 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2013.
  50. ↑ "Dua Pesawat Baru CN 295 Kembali Perkuat TNI AU". 26 May 2014.
  51. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "World Air Forces 2017". Flightglobal Insight. 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
  52. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 "World Air Forces 2016 pg. 20". Flightglobal Insight. 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
  53. ↑ "Indonesian training jet Super Tucano crashes onto residential area".
  54. 1 2 http://www.the-northrop-f-5-enthusiast-page.info/AirForces/IndonesiaAF.html
  55. ↑ "Indonesia to have 16 Su-27/30s by end of 2013". Flightglobal. 2013. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  56. 1 2 http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/12/19/asia-pacific/weather-cited-indonesia-air-force-c-130-crash-papua-13-aboard-killed/#.WF8hVNR95pg
  57. ↑ "World Air Forces 1987 pg. 64". flightglobal.com. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  58. ↑ "Musibah Hercules". garudamiliter.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  59. ↑ "Fokker F-27 Accident". Aviation-safety.net. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  60. ↑ Olausson, Lars, "Lockheed Hercules Production List – 1954–2005, 22nd ed.", self-published, page 104.
  61. 1 2 3 "93 killed in military plane crash". News.ninemsn.com.au. 13 September 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  62. 1 2 3 Rondonuwu, Olivia (20 May 2009). "'97 killed' as Hercules crashes into homes". The Independent. London. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
  63. ↑ "97 dead in Indonesian Hercules crash – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". Abc.net.au. 20 May 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  64. ↑ "Two pilots die in terrifying plane crash at air show in Yogyakarta, Indonesia". News.com.au. December 20, 2015. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  65. ↑ Archived 13 August 2014 at the Wayback Machine.
  66. 1 2 "Kementerian Pertahanan RI". Dephan.go.id. Retrieved 25 November 2011.
  67. ↑ Franz-Stefan Gady (18 March 2016). "US Clears Sale of Advanced Missiles to Indonesia". The Diplomat. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
  68. ↑ "Akankah Indonesia Produksi Super Tucano?" (in Indonesian). Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  69. ↑ "SIPRI Report : Transfer Persenjataan ke Indonesia 2012". 19 March 2013.
  70. ↑ "Kemhan Akan Beli 6 Pesawat Tanpa Awak". 10 February 2012.

Bibliography

Further reading

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