The first Indonesian F-16 A/B that underwent the Falcon STAR (Structural Augmentation Roadmap) and enhanced mid-life upgrade (EMLU) programme, seen here in April 2020. Since then, the TNI-AU has upgraded four other airframes. (TNI-AU)
The Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia β Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) now operates a fleet of five F-16 A/B airframes that have been upgraded under the Falcon STAR (Structural Augmentation Roadmap) and enhanced mid-life upgrade (EMLU) programme.
The service announced on 18 August that the fifth airframe, with serial number TS-1605, has completed its first post-upgrade flight.
βAlthough there were many obstacles in the midst of this pandemic, TS-1605 has successfully taken to the skies and will now safeguard our sovereignty,β said First Marshal Untung Suropati, commander of Iswahyudi Air Force Base, in the TNI-AU statement.
The TNI-AU is in the process of upgrading its entire fleet of F-16 A/B airframes via the Falcon STAR and EMLU programme. As part of the upgrades, the airframes have been structurally reinforced, and received improved avionics and weapon systems including interrogator antennae for an identification friend-or-foe (IFF) system. Upgraded airframes have been applied with a Pewter grey livery, which replaces the older Tosca green paint scheme.
The first upgraded F-16, which bears the serial number TS-1610, was rolled out in April 2020. This airframe, with three other aircraft that have since been upgraded under the same programme, were showcased in a 17 August flypast held as part of Indonesia's Independence Day celebrations.
Like the earlier airframes that have been upgraded, TS-1605 will be redeployed for operational duties with the TNI-AU's Skadron Udara (Aviation Squadron) 3 at the Iswahyudi Air Force Base in Madiun, East Java, once it receives the new post-upgrade livery.
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