The Indonesian Ministry of Finance (MoF) has approved plans by the Ministry of Defence to acquire two new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force, with loans sourced from foreign lenders.
The Indonesian Air Force itself has long planned to have at least four of these AEW&C aircraft by submitting their needs since 2014. The MoF approved an 800 million USD loan. This budget should cover the delivery of the two aircraft together with associated components, service equipment and training packages. 
This approval means that the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) can now formally begin evaluating the type of aircraft suitable for PLN to fund the programme. The Indonesian Air Force currently does not have an AEW&C aircraft. Meanwhile, Indonesia"s neighbouring countries in the Asia and Pacific region already have this AEW&C aircraft. The Singapore Air Force (RSAF) already operates four US-made, Israel-upgraded Gulfstream G550-EL/W-2085. The Thai Air Force (RTAF) has two Saab 340 AEW&C. The Australian Air Force (RAAF) has the biggest fleet with six E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C.
