SINGAPORE: To aid in the search for the missing Air Asia QZ8501 plane, Indonesia deployed the controversial KRI Usman Harun as it is equipped with advanced underwater capabilities.
Both media outlets reported that the Bung Tomo-class corvette was deployed on Sunday, with Republic adding that it was equipped with the Thales Underwater Systems TMS 4130C1 hull-mounted sonar.
The naming of the ship after the MacDonald House bombers, Usman Mohamed Ali and Harun Said, caused tensions between Singapore and Indonesia in February last year, with the Singapore Government sending a Third Person Note, which is a formal diplomatic note, to its Indonesian counterparts to register its regret.
Three people were killed and 33 others injured when the two Indonesian marines bombed the building in 1965. The two marines were subsequently found guilty and hanged in 1968, despite the intervention of then Indonesian president Suharto.
“Singapore offered its help for this humanitarian effort arising from a tragic accident of AirAsia flight QZ8501 which has befallen our Indonesian neighbour. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families of the passengers and crew. The SAF will continue to assist in this search effort professionally.”
