The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has formally inducted a squadron of 16 Korean Aerospace T-50i Golden Eagle advanced trainers into service.
In a ceremony attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, the aircraft were handed over to the TNI-AU by the Ministry of Defence on February 13 for service with 15 Squadron at Iswahyudi airbase in Madiun, East Java. The T-50s were ordered in May 2011 at a cost of US$400m (A$443m), and they will replace Hawk Mk53 jets which have been in service since 1980.
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The Indonesian T-50s have been equipped with systems similar to those installed on the multi-role F/A-50, albeit without an air intercept radar, although Indonesia reportedly has plans to install a radar at a later date.
iscover
Dane
says:Looks like the ugly step child of an F-16 and F/A-18
australianaviation.com.au
says:It has a lot of F-16 DNA in it – Lockheed Martin assisted in the T-50’s development, and may offer it for the USAF’s ATX contest.
Cheers
Andrew
Wayne
says:Seeing the ROKAF “Black Eagles” T-50 aerobatic team in Singapore last week was a sight for sore eyes.
Pity the RAAF “Roulettes” fly 25 year old PC-9’s….
Don’t mention the RSAF “Black Knights” F-16 team either…!
Raymond
says:Yes, as good as the Roulettes are, they would be even better if they returned to jets as their mount!