Indonesian Air Force to Test Oerlikon Skyshield Enemy Interceptor
10 July 2017 23:30 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Makassar - The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) is scheduled to test four Swiss made Oerlikon Skyshield units at Bontobahari in Bulukumba district, South Sulawesi.
The 35-millimeter caliber ground-based short-range air defense system is said to be the latest generation in its class. According to Hanud 472 Detachment Commander (Danden) Major Ferial, the weapon that will be tested comes with radar to intercept incoming enemies.
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The special squad drill will last for three days, starting from July 11 to July 13.
“The launch of Indonesian Military’s latest weapon will be witnessed by dozens of generals who will arrive on Wednesday, July 12,” Ferial said on Monday, July 10.
The four Oerlikon units will be able to intercept ground and air attacks. According to Ferial, this type of weaponry is considered as the most advanced in intercepting unauthorized military drone targets flying on Indonesian air space.
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Ferial also called on citizens living in the vicinity of the base not to be surprised by the sound of weapons fired to the sea. The Indonesian Air Force will test as many as 200 missiles.
The weapon is able to destroy incoming objects such as enemy’s jets, rockets, missiles, and mortars, and is effective up to four kilometers away.
