Mitsubishi Ki-51 Sonia in Indonesian Service
First flying in mid-1939, the Mitsubishi Ki-51 was a light bomber/dive bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Army. Initially deployed in China, it proved effective because of the limited aerial opposition. When faced with more advanced fighters later in the war, it proved more vulnerable.
A total of 2,372 (1,459 by Mitsubishi and 913 by the Tachikawa Dai-Ichi Rikugen Kokusho) production aircraft were built, along with 12 prototypes.
Post-war, abandoned aircraft in Indonesia were pressed into service by the Indonesian Independence Movement and used against the Dutch.
Photos of Japanese operated Ki-43s can be found here.
