Indonesia to Purchase 11 Russian-Made Fighter Jets for $1.5b
Jakarta. The Indonesian Armed Forces, or TNI, is expected to soon finalize the purchase of 11 Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to boost national air defense, military chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said on Tuesday (31/10).
"In a special meeting, President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo ordered to buy fighter jets, Sukhoi Su-35s, that will be ready to go into war," Gatot said as quoted in a TNI statement.
The military has informed Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu about the plan, Gatot added.
In 2016, Ryamizard stated that the military would purchase 10 Russian-made jets to replace one squadron of Northrop F-5 jets, made in the United States.
The new jets will be equipped with air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles and will be accompanied by ground support equipment, simulators and spare parts, Gatot said.
The Russian-made jets are expected to arrive next year, after the Ministry of Defense signs a final agreement for the purchase, valued at $1.5 billion.
Gatot added that Indonesia has purchased American-made jets in the past, including the F-16 and Apache helicopter.
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