Military Commander Intend To Add Jet Fighter

Jakarta, Jan 6 (Antara) - Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander General Moeldoko stated that the institution intended to improve jet fighter fleet power by adding several jet planes such as Sukhoi Su-35 and General Dynamics F-16. "We have discussed the plan with the Defense Ministry. The TNI itself wanted to add more Sukhoi fighters," stated Moeldoko in the TNI Headquarter here, on Monday. Moeldoko noted that the TNI has discussed the plan with Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and has assured his support to increase Indonesian air power. Besides supporting the Russian jet fighter, Sukhoi, to be deployed in Indonesia, the TNI Commander also wanted the US jet fighter, F-16, to strengthen Indonesian Air Force fleet. "We have several options whether to take Sukhoi Su-35 or F-16 and its next generation (NG) type. We believe that we can achieve the plan to increase Indonesian air power," pointed out Moeldoko. The Sukhoi Su-35 is a multirole fighter and an interim type of Sukhoi Su-30 MK to the fifth generation jet plane. Indonesia has a squadron or 16 units Russian jet planes such as Su-27 and Su-30 which are based in Makassar of S Sulawesi. The TNI AU has received at least eight from 16 units of Korean jet plane T-50 Golden Eagle gradually.