U.S. delivering refurbished F-16s to Indonesia

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah, July 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. government is well on its way to refurbishing and modernizing two dozen F-16 Fighting Falcon jet fighters for Indonesia.

The first three of the 24 planes refurbished under a 2011 contract were being delivered to the Asian country Monday (July 14). The remainder will be delivered by the end of 2015.

"This F-16 program currently stands as the flagship program of the defense relationship between the U.S. government and Indonesia, as their fighter aircraft inventory grows by 24 American-made F-16 aircraft," Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, Maj. Frank Taravella said. "Indonesia is receiving a completely refurbished aircraft, with astounding workmanship, and improved capabilities."

The Block 25 Fighting Falcons had been in Air Force storage at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex' facility at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

The Ogden Logistics Center in Utah began refurbishment there after Indonesia formally accepted a U.S. grant and committed about $670 million for the planes, the Air Force said. The bulk of the work, however, was performed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

A total of 15,000 man-hours were spent on each plane to upgrade the avionics, overhaul wings, landing gear, and other components.