Indonesia "On Verge" of Buying F-15 Jets from Boeing: Defense Minister

Indonesia is very close to adding Boeing F-15s to its Air Force’s fighter fleet, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has confirmed.

“The F-15 negotiations are continuing and we are in advanced stages,” Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto told reporters after his meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “I think now it will be dependent on the government to finally decide.”

Austin expressed support for Indonesia’s efforts to modernize its military. He added that this acquisition would increase interoperability, and complement Indonesia’s 33-strong F-16 fleet.

The U.S. State Department had approved the potential sale of 36 F-15ID aircraft and related equipment for up to $13.9 billion in February. Jakarta plans to replace its old Russian Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft.

Indonesia earlier this year signed a contract with French company Dassault Aviation for 42 Rafale fighters - a transaction valued at $8.1 billion.

Late last month, Subianto said that negotiations with Boeing over F-15 purchase are ongoing. He also hinted at challenges around financing.

"We clearly asked that we must be able to buy in terms of paying in installments; we can't do it all at once," Prabowo said at a media briefing with local reporters at the time. "The government always prioritizes economic development and so on."