Indonesian Air Force Inspects Mobile SAM to Strengthen Air Defense

LY-80 SAM

The Medan National Air Defense Command (Kosekhanudnas) has inspected ballistic missiles abroad to foster the air defense in the area.

"The type of ballistic missiles are the KY-80," Medan Kosekhanudnas chief Vice Marshal Bonar Hutagaol said in Medan on Wednesday.

He said as a unit assigned in the western area, he was in need of ballistic missiles with the capacity to destroy aircraft and ballistic missiles fired by the enemy. Right now the number of ballistic missiles of the Medan Kosekhanudnas III were still enough like those being used by a number of Medium Air Defense Artillery Battalions (Arhanudse).

However, he still needed more ballistic missiles in anticipation of any eventualities. Therefore he made an inspection of the ballistic missiles in the Gobi dessert , China , which he said are very good and suitable to strengthen air defense in Indonesia.

The results of the inspection will be handed to the Military (TNI) Chief for making the necessary decisions. Then the results will be studied more deeply. "Then a decision will be made which are the best for Indonesia." 

The supply for aircraft fighters had been depleting and Air Force Chief Marshal Imam Sufaat planned to build an essential force by 2025. Radars will be bought only for airbases still vacant like in Tanjung Pinang.

"The entire sector III (Medan) had already been covered."

Kompas