Greater professionalism vital for Air Force

JAKARTA (JP): The Air Force must continue to improve in light of the increasing sophistication of its equipment, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung says.

Feisal said in a speech marking the 48th anniversary of the Air Force on Saturday that Indonesia has no choice but to continue to keep up with the developments in military technology, including air weaponry.

The ceremony itself was capped with a flight display, including its coveted squadron of U.S.-built F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters.

Four F-16 units roared past the spectators at the Halim airbase, making various formations, including an arrow head.

There was also an air display by helicopters, C-130 transport aircraft, A-4 Sky Hawks planes and F-5 Tiger bombers but these paled in comparison with the F-16s.

Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Rilo Pambudi said after the ceremony that despite budget constraints, the air force will continue to purchase modern war planes to strengthen its ability to protect the nation.

In the next two years, Indonesia will be receiving delivery of 24 100-Hawk and 200-Hawk jet fighters from Britain, Rilo said. "These planes will strengthen our air defenses."

Feisal stressed in his speech that the Air Force holds a special position in the military because it has to deal with high-technology military equipment in its duties more than the other branches.

He reminded the force however that it must improve the professionalism of its personnel in using and maintaining its weaponry system and remain on guard against any conditions threatening the country's strategic environment.

The ceremony was attended by around 400 senior officers, military attaches of foreign embassies and government officials.

Following the fly-over demonstration, a maneuver was held to portray the efficiency of the Air Force in repossessing an area from enemy hands, first by raids conducted by F-5 and F-16 jets and helicopters and then dropping 100 troopers to finish the job.

Rilo said the exercise was intended to display the personnel's skill and their good coordination in launching the attack. "That's only a war game. A real air attack is more horrifying," he said.

The ceremony ended with a 62 man jump by members of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), Army's Elite Troop (Kopassus) and the Garuda parachuting club. (rms)