Republic of Indonesia Skyhawks
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In 1980 Indonesia purchased from Israel, with Singapore serving as "broker", 14 surplus A-4E Skyhawks: 149978 = TT-0401 149979 = TT-0402 149986 = TT-0403 149987 = TT-0404 149998 = TT-0405 150010 = TT-0406 150025 = TT-0407 150042 = TT-0408 150066 = TT-0409 150120 = TT-0410 150125 = TT-0411 152007 = TT-0412 152017 = TT-0413 152089 = TT-0414 152013 = TT-0417 In 1981 A-4E 152013, TT-0417, was transferred from Israel as an attrition replacement for TT-0407. Two - TA-4H Skyhawks from Israel: 157429 Constuct NO. 14078 157430 Constuct NO. 14079 The aircraft became operational in Number 11 Squadron |
In 1982, an additional 16 surplus A-4E Skyhawks were purchased from Israel. 149664 = TT-0431 150003 = TT-0432 150015 = TT-0433 150087 = TT-0434 150027 = TT-0435 151028 = TT-0436 151072 = TT-0437 151079 = TT-0438 151098 = TT-0439 151110 = TT-0440 151189 = TT-0441 151989 = TT-0442 152037 = TT-0443 152062 = TT-0444 152064 = TT-0445 152097 = TT-0446 After refurbishment at Indonesian expense, these Skyhawks became operational, beginning in 1985, assigned to number 12 Squadron (SkU12) at Pekanbaru Air Base, Riau Province. 1999 - two surplus TA-4J purchased from the U.S.: TA-4J BuNo 154315 (AMARC 3A0708) = TL-0418 TA-4J BuNo 158454 (AMARC 3A0754) = TL-0419 |
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 into 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 still flown once in awhile (JUN 2007) for training and other purposes.
Y2015: All Skyhawks are fully retired.
Sources:
Marco Pennings
"Scramble"
David A. Weber
Bajoe Sjahpoetro