Everyone say f-16 (and any other fighter) with CFT can bring more fuel without compromising anything. But I don't fully believe that.
I'm afraid i can't help you inquiring why we ceased using smart blue/white colour scheme however timeline of our colour schemes for F-16.
By the end of this year they should clear all of this Su-35 shit, either order them for real or just re-allocate the budget for F-16V acquisition, that way we could get a really logical deal than ordering two types of planes from two rivaling countries, diverting budget and attention unnecessarily. Honestly, i prefer the Blue scheme, it just simply better all-around, but then TNI-AU seems to really lack artistic taste even today.
Me personally don't think CFT have no adverse effect, i could think of some, namely the aerodynamics and maneuverability. Kinda fair enough trade-off as these days maneuverability doesn't see much use with all the stealth and BVR shit at 80km distance. Also, USAF itself seems to refrain using CFT on their F-16s, rumor says "doctrine" is the reason.
F16 maybe
PKR and Su-35 wastes too much time, somebody need to get these shit done real quick if they are serious doing MEF 3. Almost all member here are tired with Su-35 thing, it's just not worth it anymore, even if they arrives what will we do then? the Flankers are trouble in itself, not to mention that we rely on unreliable and sanctioned supplier, we are planning to pay for expensive gun that's going to shoot ourselves in the leg. Even at minimal investment return of Su-35 budget, we would still get around 500 million USD, that's good enough addition if they go on with the Vipers.
I was pesimist about su 35 chance now.. the better option is f16v or grippen..
Gripen actually is kind of tough entering Indonesia despite all Saab advertisements, transfer of technology promises and of course compliance to Act no 16, 2012 because Lockheed Martin already made strong presence here 2 Squadrons of F-16s ( 3rd & 16th ), existing MRO facillities here, long term low interests loans US Gov wealthy enough to provide via FMS ( Foreign Military Sales ) programme should we procure their arms and also relatively equal roles between Gripen & F-16. I like Saab products however the odd of Gripen already slim, introducing new types of fighter jets for relatively tight budget Indonesia is ill advised. I like some of their products though like RBS-70 SHORADs, AShM like RBS-15, their radars and subsystems also their AEWC platforms such as Erieye & Globaleye but not Gripen, decent aircraft but just not for us.
Some suggest, not me, others. Since EDA ( Excess Defense Article ) 24 F-16 C/D are placed on new 16th Squadron in Roesmin Nurjadin AFB, Pekanbaru while roughly at same period of time F-5E in 14th Squadron are retired. Actually their roles already assumed by newer F-16s we earned thus 500 Millions US$ should be best allocated on maximal upgrades ( top tape of MLU ) on all F-16s fleet we have. However should we insist to replace 14th Squadron with newer aircrafts better allocate / arrange loans fully for new fighter while the previously 500 Millions US$ budget goes to maximise upgrades & arms for existing F-16s. However that's just personal opinion
EC725 Caracal equipped with FFAR and "stella" air freshener
