Indonesia and Russia will sign a purchase agreement for eight Russian-made Sukhoi SU-35 jets in May as part of Indonesia's plan to renew its primary weaponry system, or alutsista.
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will witness the signing of the procurement deal in Russia in mid-May, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu announced recently as reported by Antara news agency.
Indonesia had planned to purchase the 4.5 generation Sukhoi jets from Russia after the previous purchase of 24 Sukhoi 27/30 jets. The main purpose of the purchase was to secure the archipelago's vast airspace as well as border areas, Ryamizard said.
No details about the budget for the purchase have been disclosed, but according to media reports the price tag of one Su-35 is around US$65 million.
A lawmaker of the House of Representatives commission I overseeing intelligence, defense and foreign affairs expressed his support for the procurement plan, saying that the purchase would strengthen national air defense.
Jokowi is scheduled to visit Russia and South Korea on May 16 to 20 to attend the Russia-ASEAN Summit in the Russian city of Sochi, at which leaders will discuss ASEAN cooperation with Russia. He will continue his state visit to South Korea.
Indonesia and South Korea have also signed an agreement worth US$8 billion for the manufacture of the Korea Fighter Xperiment and Indonesia Fighter Xperiment (KFX/IFX) jets fighter, which will be available within five years as part of the government's efforts to produce jets for alutsista. Indonesia will contribute 20 percent to the total project, with state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia involved in the production of the semi-stealth jets.
Indonesia and the Korea Aerospace Industry (KAI) are still working on the design of the jets, Ryamizard added. (rin)