Republic of Indonesia Air Force

Indonesia purchased 14 surplus A-4E and two TA-4J Skyhawks from Israel in 1979 and the aircraft became operational in Number 11 Squadron (SkU-11) at Hasanuddin Air Base near Ujung Pandang. Three years later (1982), an additional 16 surplus A-4Es were purchased directly from the U.S. After refurbishment at Indonesian expense, the latter Skyhawks became operational, beginning in 1985, assigned to number 12 Squadron (SkU12) at Pekanbaru Air Base, Riau Province.

As of November 1992, the Indonesian Air Force was operating 28 A-4E Skyhawks in the two squadrons. In 1996, all Indonesian Skyhawk operations were consolidated in SKU-11 at Hasanuddin. Two additional TA-4Js, BuNo 154315 and 158454, were purchased from the U.S.in 1999 and, after upgrading in New Zealand, became operational in October of that year.

Skyhawks remained operational with squadron SkU-11 until 2004, when their replacement by the Russian-built Su-27SK/Su-30MK “Flanker” began.
They are, however, still flown occassionaly (JUN 2007) for training and other purposes.

SKU-11 and SKU-12 Squadron Pages



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