BAE Systems mulls local Indonesian support services business

BAE Systems is considering a plan to establish a local company in Indonesia providing support services to its fleets of Hawk Mk 109/209 fighter/trainers in service in the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Udara, TNI-AU), the company has told Jane's .

The TNI-AU took delivery of 32 Hawk Mk 209 lightweight multirole fighters and eight Hawk Mk 109 trainers/light attack aircraft from 1996. The aircraft are based in TNI-AU stations in the western island of Sumatra and in Kalimantan on the central island of Borneo.

BAE Systems vice-president for Malaysia and Indonesia, Mark Burgess, said the setting up of a company in Indonesia dedicated to maintaining the Hawks is being considered as part of plans to enhance support for BAE Systems equipment in operation in the Southeast Asian country. He also indicated that indirect defence sales to Indonesia were being pursued.

"BAE Systems has had an office in Indonesia for a number of years and has continued to work with the [TNI-AU] supporting the Hawk fleet," said Burgess. "In addition, the company is working closely with the air force looking at logistic support for the Hawks, including the opportunity to set up a locally registered company."

Janes