No Decision Yet On Indonesia's Russian Su-35 Jets Buy

Indonesia has not reached decision on buying Russian Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) jets.

In September, Indonesia decided to replace its US-made Northrop F-5 Tiger II fighter jets with Russian Sukhoi Su-35s, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said.

The nation is keen on buying 32 advanced aircraft but a decision on the supplier had not yet been made and at the moment Indonesia is not engaged in direct negotiations with Russia on the matter, Jan Pieter Ate, director for international cooperation at the Indonesian defense ministry, said at the Defence and Security Asia (DSA) Show currently on at Bangkok.

According to Indonesian law, any contract for the purchase of foreign weaponry should require the transfer of at least 35 per cent of the procured technology to the country, the official told RIA Novosti told. "such an agreement with Russia has still to be made." Ate added.

Earlier it was reported by Indonesia's Antara News that Indonesia's military had decided upon the SU-35 based on its attractive price.

International fighter aircraft manufacturers including Dassault of France, Eurofighter and Lockheed Martin with the latest version of its F-16 are eyeing the Indonesian market.