Indonesian Air Force completes F-16 performance enhancement program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force has completed the enhancement of the performance capability of its F-16 fighter aircraft through the Falcon STAR (Structural Augmentation Roadmap) and Enhanced Mid-Life Update (eMLU) programs, on Monday, 2 March. In an official press release received in Jakarta on Thursday, it was explained that the program was conducted to enhance the aircraft's engine performance and supporting facilities. With these performance improvements, the aircraft can operate more effectively in safeguarding Indonesia's airspace. The Head of the TNI AU Public Affairs Office (Kadispenau), First Marshal TNI I Nyoman Suadnyana, when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday, said the handover of the aircraft was carried out at Iswahjudi Air Base, Magetan, East Java. He said that before being handed over to Air Squadron 3, the aircraft underwent a series of engine capacity enhancement processes at Skatek 042. After going through the stages up to flight testing, the aircraft was deemed airworthy and officially returned to Air Squadron 3. “The success of the Falcon STAR and eMLU programs forms part of the Indonesian Air Force's efforts to enhance the modernization of defence and security equipment (Alpahankam), while also ensuring the operational readiness of its air units remains optimal,” said I Nyoman. In addition, he said, the program could also be the key to the Indonesian Air Force's continued possession of capable defence equipment and its ability to counter threats from various sophisticated armaments from other countries. With the arrival of the fighter aircraft F-16 that has just completed the engine upgrade, I Nyoman believes the Indonesian Air Force will be stronger in safeguarding Indonesia's airspace.