Indonesia Explores Chinese Anti-Aircraft Weapons

Beijing, March 1 (Antara) - The Ministry of Defense is exploring Chinese air defense systems and anti-aircraft weapons to secure vital locations and to strengthen the Air Force Special Forces (Paskhas) base. "This assessment is part of an effort to fulfill the demands for the primary weaponry defense system (Alutsista)," Director General of Defense Planning Air Vice Marshal M. Syaugi stated during his working visit to China here on Tuesday. Syaugi revealed that the Air Force had been using the Oerlikon SkyShield MK2, an anti-aircraft artillery developed by the Swiss corporation Oerlikon Contraves. The defense system is used by the Paskhas detachment in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. During the working visit, the Indonesian Defense Ministry explored the air defense systems: AF902 FCS and PSU Twin35MM. "Based on what we observed, the offered air defense system is very good. The anti-aircraft weapon also has an explosive power, good accuracy, precision, and effective range," he noted. As a sovereign nation, Syaugi remarked that Indonesia has the right to fulfill the demand for Alutsista from any country. "We have the right to buy Alutsista from any country. The defense system should meet the required technical specifications and pass user trials," he remarked. Moreover, any purchase of Alutsista from overseas should require a transfer of technology and a guarantee of quality. The Anti-aircraft weapon Twin35MM has an effective range of four kilometers. It is equipped with a sensor unit and can fire 550 rounds per minute. ***2***