The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has handed over six Aermacchi SF260 basic trainers to the Indonesian air force at Halim air base in Jakarta.
Singapore is donating the aircraft, plus associated ground equipment and spares, to its regional neighbour after they were rendered obsolete by the transfer of the bulk of the RSAF's pilot-training programme to Australia in 1999. Another 13 SF260s will be delivered to Indonesia by the end of the year.
The RSAF is assisting in returning the trainers to an airworthy condition and has provided training for six Indonesian pilots and 10 maintenance personnel. Another 10 engineers will receive training before the final batch of aircraft is transferred. The aircraft entered RSAF service from September 1971.
The Singapore and Indonesian air forces have close links and frequently conduct joint exercises.
Source: Flight International
