April 24, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
Turkey on Monday offered Indonesia assistance for the maintenance of F-16 jetfighters in an effort to enhance defense ties between the two countries.
"
Turkey is eager to enhance defense and military ties between the two countries. More specifically, they offer cooperation in the maintenance of F-16 jetfighters," Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono told reporters.
He made the remarks after a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to
Indonesia Aydin Evirgen.
Indonesia began operating a squadron of F-16 in 1990 but their airworthiness has been in question since the U.S. government imposed a military embargo in 1999.
Juwono said the Turkish offer would be consulted first with the president and the minister of foreign affairs before the government makes a decision.
