Two T-50i Combat Training Jets from South Korea Arrive in Indonesia, Strengthening Air Force

Two of the six newly purchased combat training jet aircraft from South Korea, the T-50i, have arrived in Indonesia. Head of Public Relations and Defense Information at the Ministry of Defense’s Secretariat General, Brig. Gen. Rico Ricardo Sirait, explained that the T-50i aircraft were shipped via air cargo from South Korea to Juanda Air Base in Sidoarjo, East Java.

“Subsequently, the aircraft were transported to Iswahjudi Air Base in Madiun by land to undergo the re-assembly process and further technical stages in accordance with procedures,” Rico said when contacted on Friday (2/13).

He said all logistics and defense equipment transfer processes were carried out through official, secure mechanisms in compliance with applicable regulations.

“As for the various speculations regarding the delivery method and videos circulating among the public, we affirm that all logistics and defense equipment transfer processes were carried out through official, secure mechanisms in compliance with applicable regulations,” he said.

Air Force Information Service Chief Air Vice Marshal I Nyoman Suadnyana previously said a total of six new T-50i fighter jets will be arriving. The aircraft will be used by the Air Force as combat training jets to sharpen pilot skills.

Previously, aircraft of the same type have already been in use by the Air Force as combat trainers. The existing T-50i Golden Eagle aircraft are stationed at the 15th Combat Air Squadron at Iswahjudi Air Base in Madiun, East Java.