Indonesian Warship Launches Newest Exocet Missile

Surabaya, E Java (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian Navy's newest warship "KRI Bung Tomo-357" conducted a test launch of Exocet MM-40, Block II, while sailing in the Java Sea on Thursday, a Navy spokesman stated.

Eastern Fleet Command (Koartim) Spokesman of the Navy Maman Sulaeman stated here on Friday that the Exocet missile's launch demonstration was witnessed by Navy Chief Admiral Ade Supandi on Thursday.

"The warship, which is part of the Koartim's Escort Fleet, conducted the weaponry test to evaluate the progress in military development in order to boost operational readiness. The test is also intended to understand the capability of the newest weaponry system of the Navy," he affirmed.

The test launch of the Exocet missile is also intended to prepare KRI Bung Tomo-357, which will join the MTF XXVIII/UNIFIL Task Force in Lebanon in the near future.

Navy Chief Admiral Ade Supandi remarked that Exocet MM-40, Block II, is a second generation missile owned by the Navy after the Exocet MM-38. The Navy will later have the newest Block III version of the missile. (WDY)