Indonesia prepares for battle for the skies
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On October 28, the usually quiet skies over the Natuna Islands will be abuzz as Indonesia's air force stages its largest annual exercise over the South China Sea, in a scenario that involves recapturing an airbase from the enemy and reclaiming control ove
Close to 2,000 officers and 43 aircraft – including eight Hawk jets, six Sukhois, five F-16s and four Super Tucanos – will be deployed.
Codenamed Angkasa Yudha – battle for the skies – 2013, the exercise comes at a time when tensions in the South China Sea remain high and a key concern for military strategists.
“The exercise aims to test the strength of our personnel and weapons and improve their professional combat capabilities,” said air force spokesman First Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto.
