Indonesia’s government said it was prepared to accept a US offer for 24 surplus F-16s, reported The Jakarta Post, Wednesday. This announcement came on the heels of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s visit to the country on Sunday during his tour of Southeast Asia. According to the newspaper, an Indonesian parliament defense oversight committee approved the deal, albeit with a set of conditions. “All the planes have to be upgraded from Block 25 to Block 52; all components needed for the upgrade have to be produced here in Indonesia; and the upgrade must be procured through the foreign military sales scheme,” said Yorrys Raweyai, a committee member. Indonesia will reportedly bear the cost of the aircraft refurbishments. The Southeast Asian nation already operates some older model F-16s.
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
