Indonesian Air Force Hopes To Replace F-5 Tigers With Su-35s Fighter Jets

Indonesian Air Force has requested for more sophisticated fighter jets such as Sukhoi Su-35s to replace its F-5 Tigers, Antara News reported Wednesday.

“Russian-made Sukhoi SU-35 meets the requirements of TNI-AUs weaponry system,” Chief of Air Force Vice Marshall Agus Suprianta was quoted as saying after opening a leadership meeting of the air force.

“He expressed hope that the government will fulfill the desire of the air force and purchase Sukhoi SU-35s to reinforce its weaponry system to ensure security in the Indonesian airspace,” Suprianta said.

"We hope the government fulfills our wish to purchase Sukhoi SU-35s. All can place orders, but we, as the operators, want jets over generation 4 to be ordered," he added.

He expressed that it would be easier to maintain Sukhoi planes and would enhance Indonesia’s air force.

"We hope our technicians do not face any problems with the Sukhoi planes. It is important that we purchase jets from the newer generations," Supriatna noted.
Furthermore, the Russian government supports Indonesias wish to buy the multipurpose fighter jet Sukhoi SU-35 to enhance the country’s air force.
"We hope the agreement to buy SU-35s can be realized. Military cooperation between the two countries was established a long time ago. We want to maintain that," Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin said late last month.
The ambassador added that the Russian government was ready for the same if Indonesia decided to buy Su-35s.
"Russia believes that there is potential for cooperation with Indonesia in the construction and military sectors, among others. Also, if Indonesia is willing, we are ready to help in the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes," Galuzin stated.
The Indonesian government is still deliberating over whether it should buy new fighter jets to replace the old F-5 E Tigers.
Indonesian Military Commander Moeldoko listed several options for new fighter jets, such as Sukhoi SU-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, SAAB JAS-39 Gripen, and F-16 Block 52+.