WASHINGTON,
Nov. 18, 2011 – The U.S. and Indonesian presidents issued a joint statement
today from Bali, Indonesia, reaffirming their deepening engagement and
announcing the planned transfer and upgrade of 24 Excess Defense Article F-16s
to the Indonesian air force.
President
Barack Obama is in Indonesia participating in the East Asia Summit. The summit
has occurred annually since 2005, following the annual Association of Southeast
Asian Nations leaders’ meeting. The United States and Russia participated in
the summit for the first time this year.
Obama’s
joint statement with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today noted
the two leaders affirm the summit is the region’s premier forum for leaders to
discuss strategic political and security issues.
According
to a White House fact sheet, Indonesia’s addition of 24 F-16s will allow that
nation’s government to significantly bolster air defense capacity without
compromising the defense budget and other national priorities.
The fact
sheet notes that when the regeneration is complete, the aircraft will be
updated with advanced modular mission computers, improved radar and avionics,
and the capability to carry and field more advanced weaponry and sensors. At
least 30 Indonesian pilots will receive F-16 training in the United States, and
mobile training teams from the United States will train Indonesian aircraft
maintainers.
According
to the fact sheet, the Defense Department is currently working with the
Indonesian Ministry of Defense to develop a letter of offer and acceptance for
the 24 aircraft while awaiting completion of the final required congressional
notification. The notification is expected to be complete and the offer and
acceptance letter ready to be signed in early 2012.
The U.S.
government is working to begin delivery of aircraft by July 2014, as requested
by the government of Indonesia.
The new
agreement represents the largest transfer of defense articles in the history of
the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral relationship, the fact sheet said.
The joint
statement also reflected discussion between the two countries on issues
including human rights, clean energy, education, climate change and
environmental projects.
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