TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) officially inaugurated Air Squadron 18, the new home for the Falcon 8X aircraft manufactured by France's Dassault Aviation, on Thursday, June 18.
Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono stated in a press release in Jakarta that the inauguration ceremony took place at the Air Squadron 18 headquarters at the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Tonny noted that the aircraft fleet is slated to transport high-profile state guests and high-ranking officials.
"Supporting VIP and VVIP flights is an honorable mandate that demands professionalism, security, and a high degree of responsibility. Every mission carries the trust of the state and reflects the quality of the Indonesian Air Force's dedication to supporting state duties," Tonny said in the official TNI AU press release received in Jakarta.
With the establishment of this new squadron, Tonny expressed confidence that the Indonesian Air Force will deliver maximum service and dedication to ensuring air travel safety for important state dignitaries.
During the ceremony, Tonny also officially inaugurated Lieutenant Colonel Rachmad Syaputra as the Commander of Air Squadron 18.
Concurrently, the Head of the Indonesian Air Force Information Service (Kadispenau), Air Commodore I Nyoman Suadnyana, stated that the TNI AU has fully met all facility and operational requirements necessary for the Falcon 8X aircraft.
He noted that six Falcon 8X aircraft are currently stationed at the base. He further assured that all six aircraft are fully operational and capable of supporting Indonesia's air defense missions.
Read: What Prabowo, Japan's Defense Minister Discussed in Kertanegara
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