Navy tries out new weaponry

JAKARTA: Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and Navy top brass observed on Friday the testing of the Navy's new Czech-made missile launcher RM-70 GRAD in the East Java town of Banyuwangi.

Indonesia purchased four of the missile launchers to replace the old KPR BM 14/17, which had been in service for more than 40 years.

"I think it is the right time for us to strengthen the Navy's weaponry by replacing old equipment. To maintain our sovereignty, we must have power, and to have the power we must equip ourselves with sophisticated weaponry," Endriartono said.

Present during the testing were Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh and Marine Corps Commander Maj. Gen. A. Rivai.

Indonesia purchased the four missiles launchers in a countertrade deal involving an assortment of commodities earlier this year. -- JP