The Indonesian Air Force Tests Readiness of National Air Defense System

RRI.CO.ID, Medan - The Air Force Sector Command I held the Hanud Cakra Training 2026 to test the readiness of the national air defense system in facing various potential threats in Indonesian airspace. The training, which took place from June 23 to 25, 2026, tested the ability of air defense units to detect, identify, and respond to air threats in a coordinated manner.

Based on the press release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the training was led by the Commander of Sector Command I (Pangkosek I) First Marshal TNI Imam Subekti, as the Training Director. The implementation of the training was monitored and evaluated centrally via video conference from the Yudha Room of Posek Kosek I, Medan.

The Hanud Cakra A exercise integrates the capabilities of various elements of the Indonesian Air Force's air defense, ranging from radar units, fighter jets, SAR helicopters, to ground-based air defense systems. This activity aims to test the effectiveness of command and control systems, inter-unit interoperability, and response speed to various air threat scenarios.

In the training scenario, a CN aircraft from Squadron 2 Air Base Halim Perdanakusuma acts as a foreign aircraft entering Indonesian airspace without flight clearance. The movement of the target was then detected by the radar of Satrad 103 Sibolga and Satrad 104 Dumai before being reported in stages to Posek Kosek I as the basis for decision-making.

In response to the situation, the Training Director ordered F-16 fighter jets from the 16th Air Squadron of Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base to conduct scramble, interception, and visual identification of the target. In the exercise, various law enforcement actions in the airspace were also simulated, ranging from shadowing, force down, to the destruction of targets categorized as real threats.

Layered air defense capabilities were also tested thru the involvement of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Battalion (Yon Arhanud) Kopasgat in Pekanbaru, which operates an integrated tracking radar with the Oerlikon PSU Cannon. The integration supports the process of detecting, tracking, and engaging aerial targets quickly and in a coordinated manner.

The entire series of exercises is monitored in real-time thru video conference, connecting the command center with the field execution units. The system allows for the entire process of radar detection, decision-making, interception execution, and ground air defense readiness to be thoroughly evaluated.

Thru the Hanud Cakra A TA 2026 Exercise, Kosek I tested the integration of radar elements, fighter jets, and ground-based air defense systems as part of the Indonesian Air Force's efforts to ensure the readiness of the national air defense system in maintaining the sovereignty of the airspace of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.