New Indonesian Air Chief says F-5 replacement not yet decided

The Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI-AU) new Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, has confirmed that the bid to replace the TNI-AU’s legacy F-5E Tiger IIs is still open.

Speaking to Indonesian news outlets (e.g. Antara News), Air Marshal Tjahjanto said, “we are looking to replace the F5 Tiger after the jets have been grounded for at least a year. The Air Force is still looking for a potential replacement.”

In December 2016, Indonesia’s Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu told Antara News that Jakarta was in talks with Moscow for eight Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role fighters.

However, with the bid still open the TNI-AU could still potentially opt for one of the alternatives, i.e. the Saab JAS-39E/F, Lockheed Martin F-16V, and Mikoyan MiG-35. Airbus Defence and Space (DS) also offered its Eurofighter Typhoon.

Air Marshal Tjahjanto also promised to maintain transparency in the TNI-AU’s procurement programs.

Notes & Comments:

The TNI-AU intends to procure 16 new aircraft for USD $1.5 billion. With a unit cost of $93 million (likely including spare parts, maintenance and logistics support), the range of options would likely lead with the Lockheed Martin F-16V, Saab JAS-39E/F, Sukhoi Su-35 and Mikoyan MiG-35. However, used Eurofighter Typhoons from Italy and/or Spain could also potentially fit in this budget.