After previously successfully carrying out Helicopter Operations exercises with the German Warship FGS Baden Wurttemberg F-222, now KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda-367 (KRI SIM-367) which is an element of the TNI Konga XXVIII-P/UNIFIL MTF Task Force is carrying out joint exercises with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Air Force in the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon, Tuesday (11/03/2025).
On this occasion, the Bell AB 212 helicopter belonging to the LAF Air Force and KRI SIM-367 carried out joint exercises in the series of sending goods using helicopters (Vertical Replenishment/Vertrep). This exercise is the delivery of logistics when the ship is operating in the middle of the sea, the helicopter cannot land so that to lower the logistics must use the hoist equipment owned by the helicopter.
The Bell AB 212 helicopter took off from Rafiq Hariri Airport in Beirut then flew to the position of KRI SIM-367, where the helicopter then hovered above the deck of the KRI SIM-367 helicopter to unload logistics using hoist equipment. Meanwhile, the AS 565 MBe Panther HS-1306 helicopter, manned by Captain Pilot, Captain Laut (P) Ardy A. Paath and Copilot, Lieutenant Laut (P/W) Andi Q. Wetuffahati, carried out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Photex.
The Commander of the TNI Konga XXVIII-P/UNIFIL MTF Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Laut (P) Anugerah Annurullah, said that Vertrep is a method of providing logistics at sea or Replenishment At Sea (RAS) using helicopter capabilities, where in this provision the helicopter cannot land on the ship.
“The Vertrep exercise with the LAF Air Force was conducted in order to improve cooperation between MTF elements together with LAF Air Force elements. In addition, this exercise can hone and improve the ability of the TNI Konga XXVIII-P/UNIFIL MTF Task Force Soldiers in giving/receiving supplies at sea. Through this exercise, both parties have been able to demonstrate professionalism, marked by excellent coordination and tactical communication procedures between the helicopter and the KRI,” said Dansatgas.
On a separate occasion, the Chief of Naval Staff (Kasal) Admiral TNI Dr. Muhammad Ali conveyed to all Jalasena soldiers who are carrying out world peace missions to continue to give their best in every task entrusted, as well as maintain diplomatic relations with friendly countries in order to achieve common goals.