Sukhois ready for TNI anniversary

Sukhois ready for TNI anniversary

MADIUN, East Java: The four newly arrived Sukhoi jets are ready to perform at the celebration of the 58th anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Oct. 5 in Surabaya, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshall Chappy Hakim said here on Wednesday.

Chappy was in Madiun to witness two of the Sukhoi fighters doing maneuvers for the anniversary celebration.

He expressed his satisfaction over the success of the Russian aircraft in carrying out a number of maneuvers.

The jets, purchased earlier this year by the Indonesian government via a controversial barter deal, were delivered to Madiun Air Force Base last month.

Indonesia agreed to purchase the jets and two Mi-35 helicopters in a barter deal worth 192.6 million dollars during a state visit to Moscow in April by Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri. --Antara