/data/photo/2018/01/15/2762993801.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)
ON During my early tenure as Air Force Chief of Staff, I had decided not to plan to procure or purchase new aircraft.
After calculating the limited funds, it would be better if used to spend on maintenance of existing aircraft, as well as start other aircraft in the middle. “grounded” waiting for spare parts.
Unfortunately, with the development of time and the escalation of the challenges faced, including the embargo on aircraft spare parts by the United States (due to human rights issues at that time), the difficulty factor in flying aircraft TNI AU, especially the combat element continues to increase and has seriously hampered the implementation of the Air Force’s main duties.
Also read: Which One to Buy: Used Typhoon, Sukhoi SU-35, or MV-22 Osprey?
Such is the development that occurs, the more aircraft are flying “grounded” difficulty obtaining spareparts.
Coupled with the Bawean incident or “unauthorized” flight over the waters of the Bawean Islands by the US Navy, has caused the government to decide to buy aircraft from Russia.
It is also not easy to arrive at this decision, because it faces various obstacles, especially the limited availability of funds.
With difficulty, it was decided to keep buying Sukhoi from Russia although in very limited numbers, which are designed with a phased mechanism for procurement of up to a squadron of Sukhoi aircraft.
It was a tough decision to make, our fighter aircraft at that time could not fly because of the United States’ parts embargo.
Even then, the implementation of the procurement process is carried out with a “trade-off” program for our crops which will be coordinated by the Minister of Industry and Trade, involving the Bulog as well.
The tough decision that must be taken is that the process of purchasing a squadron of Sukhoi aircraft is carried out in stages according to the availability of funds that can be prepared.
The first batch will be carried out first with the procurement of four Sukhoi aircraft which are expected to be upgraded. Again, gradually until you reach the full number of one squadron.
Also read: Minister of Defense: Discussion on the Sukhoi Purchase is Completed
With great difficulty in carrying out the program to procure Sukhoi aircraft from Russia and thank God, in the end it “succeeded” too.
At that time, commemorating the TNI’s Anniversary on October 5, 2004 in Surabaya had become a historic momentum. Because, for the first time Sukhoi aircraft appeared in public.
On a sunny morning on my way to the place where the ceremony was being held, I was intercepted by a crowd of journalists who had gathered among other guests, including Military Attaches from friendly countries and Ambassadors.
They were very enthusiastic as they stopped me to determine whether the rumors were circulating that the ceremony would be enlivened by the flying of Sukhoi aircraft.
Also read: Wiranto Ensures RI-Russia Agree to Barter Sukhoi with Commodities
I stopped for a moment and explained that it was true that there would be a TNI Anniversary commemoration ceremony flypass Sukhoi planes that just arrived in Indonesia.
Suddenly, unexpectedly, a question from one of the foreign journalists was quite “provocative”. The question is, what is TNI AT feel it is enough just to buy four Sukhoi planes?
Although I did not expect such a cynical and tempting question to arise, I swiftly replied that the decision to buy four Sukhoi aircraft from Russia was “more than enough”.
This is because we buy Sukhoi only for necessity “wake up call America”, I said with a laugh.
In my heart, I grumbled too, do you have to say that we only bought four Sukhoi planes because of the limited budget?
Also read: These are the specifications for Hawk 209, Indonesian Air Force fighter that crashed in Riau
On the other hand, the reporter who asked looked stunned, half shocked, disbelieving my short concise answer.
Even with a face that reflected doubt and was half shocked, I believe he had absolutely no idea of getting such a spontaneous and “diplomatic” answer.
The simple explanation from the core of my answer is that we bought the Sukhoi with the aim of simply reminding the United States that if it continues the embargo on defense equipment parts originating from America, the Indonesian Air Force will not be able to carry out its main task of protecting its sovereign airspace.
There is no other choice that can solve this complex problem. That is why we will switch to filling the air arsenal with war equipment from other countries, in this case, from Russia if necessary.
As a comparison, the Indian Air Force’s arsenal is also equipped with many American aircraft as well as aircraft from Russia.
So is buying four Sukhoi planes enough?
Enough or not enough is something that is already “in the right”, it is very relative in nature. Lao Tzu argues that: “He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough”.
– .
