Indonesia to buy 24 refurbished US F-16 fighters

[ranran]

USAF would have used up much of the airframe lives of these F-16 during gulf wars and Afghan war, so do not expect them to be in long service with Indonesian Airforce. And using canabilized parts does not help to extend the airframe lives of serving F-16. I think these jets will be retired around 10 years after joining Indonesian airforce, unless they fly them sparingly.

We had similar experience with US Marine surplus second-hand A-4 back in 1980s, and they were phased out of service in a few short years. We also canabilised a few A-4 for spare parts.

Fortunately, they're not from gulf and afghan wars. I'm not an aeronautical engineer, so I can't comment on possible extesion of airframe lives of those F16. But I believe Indonesia isn't lack of experts who know about possible airframe lives of those F16 (they have PT DI/Indonesia Aerospace in case you forgot) which give the gov't inputs on this matter. Again, it's a grant, why should they refuse? And Indonesia rightnow is in no position of under a threat of war from a certain country.

 

[ranran]

Negative, US has surplus airframes in storage more then 200+ with alot of life left in them, can easily complete 15 Years which is more then enough until Indonesian air force looks else where for 4.5+ generation (KFX seems impossible, PAK-FA looks more reality)

Agree with you. But for the time being, based on the official source, Indonesian gov't wants to use those F16, along with shukoi and T 50, to fill the gap until KFX is ready (by 2020 estimated). I'm not capable to say whether they are right or wrong, but I believe they have their own calculation. Perhaps they will consider PAK-FA, as you said, if KFX project is facing some troubles.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

JF17 would have offered a greater upgrade but anyhow , we can't complain - we are first in line to get our 500-600 fighters

 

[PERSIAN GOD KING]

^^

Dude pakistan should first concentrate on a powerfull economy.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

We are man , slowly hopefully we learn from our brothers in Iran how to build and maintain beautiful cities we have high hopes for next elections.

Economic deals with Iran will surely go a long way to help revive our Textile and other Industrial sector , with Iran / Russia/ China's help