Surakarta – Air Force chief of staff Air Marshall Ida Bagus Putu Dunia said the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) would purchase 24 F-16 fighter jets from the US to modernize the country's primary weapons defense system (Alutsista).

"The procurement is a continuation of previous armament procurement programs," he said at the commencement of 149 Air Force officers at Adi Soemarmo Air Force Base in Surakarta on Friday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Putu Dunia said the first of the F-16 fighter jets would be procured in 2014. "It is hoped that in 2014 we can outfit our air defense system with eight new F-16 fighter planes while the remainder will be procured in the following year," he said.

Apart from F-16 fighters, the TNI-AU will also purchase a Hercules and CN2 9,000 aircraft and four radars. "We will adjust to the TNI commander's policy. We will get new aircraft and we are ready to deploy them at anytime on the command of our leaders," said Putu Dunia.

He said the TNI-AU was entering a crucial phase of the 21st century; therefore, his body would modernize its primary weapons defense system and operational infrastructure. "We will also improve doctrines and increase personnel skills to face the challenges of modern war," said Putu Dunia. (ebf)