President Obama and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced the planned transfer of 24 surplus USAF F-16s to the Indonesia air force during the Pacific leaders’ summit in Bali, Indonesia. This acquisition “provides Indonesia with a much-needed capability to protect its sovereign airspace and represents the largest transfer of defense articles in the history of the US-Indonesia bilateral relationship,” stated the White House in a release on Nov. 18 during Obama’s visit. The Pentagon informed Congress of the proposed deal on the previous day. Upgraded with modernized radar and avionics, the regenerated F-16C/Ds would be equipped to carry advanced targeting pods and weaponry. Indonesia also requested 28 refurbished engines and a stock of six airframes for use as spares. The United States will train at least 30 pilots stateside and send teams to train Indonesian maintainers. Aircraft deliveries are set to begin in July 2014. Indonesia currently operates a fleet of 10 F-16A/Bs. (AFPS report by Karen Parrish)
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.