REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MAGETAN -- Indonesia's Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has handed over 24 F-16 fighter jets of Excess Defense Article, provided via the US grant, to the Air Force in Iswahjudi Airport, Magetan. The minister has called on the Military Chief and Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto and the Air Force's staff to take care of the aircraft that have become part of the country's primary weaponry defense system (alutsista).

"I have asked the military chief and all soldiers to take care of this aircraft. This is a form of our accountability to the people who have provided this modern and high-tech weaponry system for us," Ryamizard stated.

Development of the country's defense system has been directed towards the stability of national security, which is conducive for regional as well as global stability, Ryamizard remarked. "It is a combination of hard and soft power based on consciousness, through smart power strategy approach," the minister added.

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador Joseph R. Donovan explained that it has been an honor for the United States to become the largest military partner for Indonesia. "The 24 F-16 from the United States would add to the current Indonesian fleet of 10 F-16, and it has shown that our strategic partnership has grown stronger," he revealed.

The defense partnership, he added, would continue to strengthen, with the efforts to maintain security, stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

"This additional unit of fighters would not only meet Indonesia's need to improve and modernize its fighter fleet but also improve the country's air defense capability, by enriching its world-class technology, to run maritime operations in the outer part of Indonesian territory," Donovan pointed out. 

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