Six Air Force jets escort Prabowo's flight to Magelang

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Four F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and two KAI T-50 Golden Eagle aircraft escorted the Presidential Aircraft, Indonesia One, during President Prabowo Subianto's working visit to Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday.

The escort was carried out as part of the Indonesian Air Force's 80th anniversary and VVIP security protocol.

"May the Indonesian Air Force remain strong in defending the country's air sovereignty. The Indonesian people are proud of you," Prabowo said via radio from the cockpit, as quoted in a statement from the Presidential Secretariat on Friday.

The Air Force conducted the escort as the president departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta to Adisutjipto Air Base in Sleman, Yogyakarta Special Region.

The escort coincided with the Air Force's anniversary celebrations, reflecting national air defense readiness.

The president expressed pride in the dedication and capability of Air Force personnel, whom he referred to as "young eagles," emphasizing their role in safeguarding national sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the escorting pilots expressed appreciation for the government's support in modernizing defense equipment since Prabowo took office as defense minister in 2019.

"We ask for prayers and support so we can continue serving the nation," one of the escorting pilots said.