Indonesian Navy Tested its Exocet Missile out in the Java Sea

Liputan6.com, Jakarta On Thursday 29 May 2015, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) new warship entitled 'Bung Tomo- 357' commanded by Colonel Yayan Sofiyan facilitated the trial launching of Exocet MM-40 Block II Missile in the Java Sea.

Chief of Information Department from Indonesian Eastern Command Fleet, Maman Sulaeman informs such warship is an escort type of vessel.

"Bung Tomo- 357 will become part of the Eskorta Koarmatim vessels after a successful trial. That is why we performed a test- drive on it as to find out how the weaponry system has been managed so far," Maman shared, Friday (29/5/2015).

Apart from measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the weapons installed through its management, the purpose of launching was also to provide further assurance of the warship's operational readiness and its weapons extent of advancement.

The Head of TNI Navy Staff Ade Supandi also witnessed the launching of the missile on KRI Bung Tomo-357. 

The vessel reportedly will join the MTF XXVIII-H/UNIFIL unit in Lebanon in the near future.

Apart from testing the Exocet MM-40, the Indonesian Navy has also launched other types of advanced weaponry such as torpedo, cannon and other artillery pieces in the Java Sea.

The presence of new 'Bung Tomo-357' warship along with the launching of the missile mark the progression of Indonesian defence system development. (Akp/Ein)