“One of the considerations is to meet the Indonesian Air Force’s pilot training needs while also maintaining operational readiness,” the Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the Defense Ministry, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated.The contract for the purchase of these 12 fighter jets has reportedly been signed and is now effective. "We are currently focusing on training them to become pilots for transport aircraft or helicopters," Harjono remarked.These pilots then undergo standardization and adaptation training conducted by the Air Force at Adisutjipto Air Force Base.Besides bringing in external pilots, the Air Force is increasing the number of pilots drawn from its existing personnel, including by modifying the curricula of both the Air Force Academy (AAU) and the Flight School.Previously, aspiring pilots only began flight training after graduating from the AAU. Now, cadets in their third or final year at the AAU are already being trained as Flight School students. We have no interests other than safeguarding our own territory. Editor: Martha Herlinawati SimanjuntakCopyright © ANTARA 2026