Two new F16 Export Market
Indonesia – Regeneration and Upgrade of F-16C/D Block 25 Aircraft
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Nov. 16 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Indonesia for the regeneration and upgrade of 24 F-16C/D Block 25 aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $750 million.
The Government of Indonesia has requested a sale for the regeneration and upgrade of 24 F-16C/D Block 25 aircraft and 28 F100-PW-200 or F100-PW-220E engines being granted as Excess Defense Articles. The upgrade includes the following major systems and components: LAU-129A/A Launchers, ALR-69 Radar Warning Receivers, ARC-164/186 Radios, Expanded Enhanced Fire Control (EEFC) or Commercial Fire Control, or Modular Mission Computers, ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management Systems, ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispenser Systems, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), Situational Awareness Data Link, Enhance Position Location Reporting Systems (EPLRS), LN-260 (SPS version, non-PPS), and AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Systems. Also included are tools, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $750 million.
The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for economic progress in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia desires the F-16 aircraft to modernize the Indonesian Air Force (IAF) fleet with aircraft more capable of conducting operations in the outermost border regions of Indonesia. The IAF’s current fleet of F-16 Block 15 aircraft is not capable of fulfilling that role, and the aging F-5 aircraft are expensive to maintain and operate due to diminishing resources existing to support the aircraft. The avionics upgrade will provide the IAF an additional capability benefitting security by modernizing the force structure, and enhancing interoperability by greater use of U.S.-produced equipment. Indonesia, which already has F-16 Block 15 and F-5 aircraft in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these upgraded systems.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA
US, Indonesia Agree on F-16 Transfer
The U.S. and Indonesian presidents issued a joint statement today from Bali, Indonesia, reaffirming their deepening engagement and announcing the planned transfer and upgrade of 24 Excess Defense Article F-16s to the Indonesian air force.
President Barack Obama is in Indonesia participating in the East Asia Summit. The summit has occurred annually since 2005, following the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations leaders’ meeting. The United States and Russia participated in the summit for the first time this year.
Obama’s joint statement with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today noted the two leaders affirm the summit is the region’s premier forum for leaders to discuss strategic political and security issues.
According to a White House fact sheet, Indonesia’s addition of 24 F-16s will allow that nation’s government to significantly bolster air defense capacity without compromising the defense budget and other national priorities.
The fact sheet notes that when the regeneration is complete, the aircraft will be updated with advanced modular mission computers, improved radar and avionics, and the capability to carry and field more advanced weaponry and sensors. At least 30 Indonesian pilots will receive F-16 training in the United States, and mobile training teams from the United States will train Indonesian aircraft maintainers.
According to the fact sheet, the Defense Department is currently working with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to develop a letter of offer and acceptance for the 24 aircraft while awaiting completion of the final required congressional notification. The notification is expected to be complete and the offer and acceptance letter ready to be signed in early 2012. The U.S. government is working to begin delivery of aircraft by July 2014, as requested by the government of Indonesia.
Pentagon spokeswoman Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde said the transfer demonstrates the growing partnership between the two nations and their military forces.
“Indonesia is an important U.S. partner and a leader in Southeast Asia. The Department of Defense is working to support the Indonesian military in their efforts to modernize the force,” Hull-Ryde said. “The refurbished F-16s support that end and contribute to interoperability with United States.”
The new agreement represents the largest transfer of defense articles in the history of the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship, the fact sheet said.
The joint statement also reflected discussion between the two countries on issues including human rights, clean energy, education, climate change and environmental projects.
Source : AFPS – By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service
F-16s to Strengthen Iraqi Air Defense, Partnership With US
During a press conference Nov. 8 the commander of the Iraqi air force said Iraq’s purchase of 18 F-16C Fighting Falcons, for their future air defense, will encourage and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Iraq.
In September, through the Foreign Military Sales program, the government of Iraq made its first payment for 18 F-16C Block 52 fighter aircraft. With this F-16 package, Iraq purchased logistical support as well as pilot and maintenance training. When the aircraft are delivered, most likely sometime in late 2014 or 2015, Iraq will have the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft in the world.
Iraqi air force staff Lt. Gen. Anwer Amin addressed members of the Iraqi air force, Ministry of Defense and U.S. military during the press conference. He stood before an F-16 static display provided by the 125th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, an Oklahoma Air National Guard unit providing top cover in Iraq for U.S. service members. The static display was configured like the F-16s purchased by Iraq and included AIM-9 air-to-air missiles, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and external fuel tanks.
Amin answered several questions from Iraqi and Pan-Arab media about the aircraft’s capabilities and the role it will serve in the country’s future defense.
“Our ability here is strong,” Amin said. “I’m very happy because I see that our future is very good.”
The F-16s, he said, will help provide air sovereignty for Iraq to protect its own territory and deter or counter regional threats.
During the past few years, the Iraqi air force, which celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, has steadily modernized its infrastructure and increased its number of personnel. At the end of 2006, the Iraqi air force had 748 airmen and 28 aircraft. Now, there are more than 6,000 airmen and 72 aircraft, including the T-6 Texan and C-130E Hercules.
During Operation New Dawn, the U.S. Air Force helped advance the Iraqi air force through mentorship, training and advising on everything from support functions to operations.
“Over the past 15 months, I’ve traveled Iraq visiting our Airmen and witnessed a part of this country’s transformation,” said Maj. Gen. Russ Handy, who is the most senior Airman on the U.S. Forces-Iraq staff as well the commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq and director of the Air Component Coordination Element-Iraq. “I can tell you the Iraqi air force has a bright future. The young Iraqi airmen I’ve met, talked to and flown with are incredibly motivated. Not only are they talented, but they are fired up about their country in the future.”
There are currently six Iraqi F-16 candidates in the U.S. for different phases of pilot training. These students will form the core of Iraq’s future F-16 force.
The training is all inclusive and typically starts with English language training, which is the international language of aviation. At present, some are finishing an English language course while others are finishing their initial training in the T-6, a trainer aircraft. One of the pilots is scheduled to begin Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, a preliminary course to the actual F-16 training program, as early as January.
Source : US Air Force- by Maj. Stacie N. Shafran – 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Iraq Public Affairs
