Indonesia To Set Up Team To Study Russian Fighter Procurement Process

Indonesia will reportedly set up a team to study planned procurement of Russian Su-35 fighter jets, covering all aspects of the agreement signed early this year.

Speaking at a coordination meeting held to discuss the planned procurement in Jakarta on Friday, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto said the team will also look at the subsequent process of developing Korean Fighter Xperiment/Indonesian Fighter Xperiment (KFX-IFX).

"I have just set up a small team to discuss technically (the planned procurement) in details. Hopefully, the team will be able to conduct studies to produce a systematic plan," Wiranto was quoted as saying by Antara News.

Wiranto said that the team will study the planned procurement from all aspects, including the types of the planes, equipment and engines. It will also study the budget needs and technological transfer.

"Buying the military`s armament system is not as easy as buying other goods. There are a lot of side things that must be reviewed in details," he said.

In February, the Indonesian officials confirmed that the contract for 11 Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role fighters from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation has been signed, to supplant its aging Northrop F-5E Tiger II.

Indonesia had originally expressed in procuring “a squadron” of Su-35s in September 2015, commencing formal negotiations with Russia in December 2016. The two sides agreed to a contract in August 2017.

Indonesia joins China as the second overseas user of the Su-35. The TNI-AU already operates Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 fighters, demonstrating that it is familiar with operating Russian aircraft.