UPI - Jan. 23, 2017
Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Indonesia's competition to replace its aging fleet of F-5E Tiger II fighter jets is still open, the country's air force chief said.
The announcement was made by Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, who was sworn in as Indonesia's air force chief last week. According to The Diplomat, the country's government is considering the Russian Sukhoi Su-35, the U.S. F-16 Block 60 Viper, and the Swedish JAS39 Gripen to replace the F-5s.
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All 16 of Indonesia's F-5E/F fighter jets have been retired since late 2005, and under reserve for future use. The country's government intends to spend $1.5 billion on purchasing 16 new aircraft to replace each unit.
Indonesia's Air Force is deciding between the U.S. F-16 or the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 to replace its fleet of F-5E Tiger II jets. Pictured: A Royal Malaysian Air Force F-5E Tiger II. Photo by U.S. Air Force
