Air exercise launched

Air exercise launched

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The Chief of the Air Force Second Command, Rear Marshal Mahpudin Taka, yesterday opened an air exercise codenamed Sikatan Daya.

The exercise, which will last until Jan. 19, involves 820 personnel and some of the Air Force's fleets of aircraft, including F-16 and F-5 fighter jets.

Although it is concentrated in Ujungpandang, the exercise will also involve command posts in East Java, to test coordination between flights and bases.

The exercise will climax on Jan. 19 with an air acrobatics display which will also be open to the public, Antara reported.

The Indonesian Air Force marks its 50th anniversary this year. (emb)