Jakarta's Choice: Indonesia will replace its aging F-5 fighter aircraft, built by US company Northrop, with the latest Sukhoi Su-35s, similar to this Russian Air Force Su-35S, flying at the MAKS-2011 airshow in Russia. (Alex Beltyukov via Wikimedia Commons)
Indonesia’s defense authority is
leaning toward a plan to purchase 16 of the latest generation of Russian
twin-engine Sukhoi Su-35 multirole fighters to replace its F-5 Tigers.
The
decision to purchase the Russian fighters came after a meeting between
Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Indonesian military top brass,
including Military Commander Gen. Moeldoko and Air Force Chief of Staff
Marshal Ida Bagus Putu Dunia in mid-January.
Speaking to
reporters, Yusgiantoro said they also considered other options to
replace the aging Tigers beyond the Su-35 purchase.
Moeldoko said
the Air Force will hold further evaluations of other fighters prior to
making a final decision. Other fighters under evaluation are the Saab
JAS 39 Gripen, Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60, Boeing’s F-15 Silent Eagle
and F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the Dassault Rafale.
An Air Force
adviser — a retired three-star Air Force marshal — hinted that the
American fighters would likely be preferable for Indonesia.
The
adviser, however, said the Tiger replacement would not be decided in the
near future, despite claims that Indonesia is ready to equip its Air
Force with a squadron of new fighters.
The Indonesian Air Force operates six F-5Es and two South Korean T-50 Golden Eagle advanced supersonic trainers.
The Air Force is also equipped with 10 F-16A/Bs and a squadron of Su-27/30s.
During
the first phase of the Indonesian Defense Strategic Plan, the Air Force
has begun receiving 16 T-50s, with final delivery expected by the end
of this year.
Debate has been rife in Indonesian defense circles
over whether to buy Russian, European or US fighters. A final decision
will be made after the presidential and legislative elections scheduled
for October.
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