Jakarta – The Air Force is preparing the acquisition of additional jet fighters to establish a new squadron in eastern Indonesia, chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia said Wednesday.

The squadron will be the country's easternmost air combat unit. "The plan to establish a fighter squadron in eastern Indonesia is part of the Air Force's grand design," he told Antara news agency in Biak, Papua.

"However, we must ready facilities, infrastructure, personnel and budget to establish a new fighter squadron." He did not say when exactly the squadron would be combat-ready, only that the Air Force was looking to acquire the fighters this year.

Currently, the 11th Air Squadron in Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base just outside Makassar, South Sulawesi, is the country's easternmost fighter squadron. The squadron is made up of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-27/30 Flanker heavy fighter jets.

Ida also said that the Air Force had established radar stations in Timika, Merauke and Biak to monitor air traffic in Papua. These radar stations fall under the jurisdiction of the IV Sector Command (Kosek) based in Biak, itself part of the National Air Defense Command (Kohanudnas). The IV Kosek also oversees another radar in Saumlaki, Maluku province. (krb)