National

Government Prepares to Purchase Missiles for Sukhoi Fighters
Friday, 16 December, 2005 | 09:17 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The Indonesian department of defense is currently processing the purchase of weapons for four Sukhoi fighter planes made by Russia.

These planes, owned by the Air Force, are not yet in service.

Rear Admiral Yuwendi, director general for defense planning at the department of defense, said on Wednesday (14/12) that the weapons to be purchased from Russia included cruise missiles, medium-range missiles and short-range missiles.

“We hope that by the middle of 2006, these weapons for the Sukhoi planes will all have arrived,” stated Yuwendi.

He admitted that he did not remember the price of these weapons.

However, for this recent purchase the department of defense disbursed some Rp28.8 billion for part of the weapons system.

“The point is that by the middle of next year, our Sukhoi fighters will be real fighter planes,” said Yuwendi.

He also said separately that the department of defense, the Indonesian Military (TNI) headquarters (HQ) and the Indonesian Air Force (TNI) Navy had reviewed the plan to purchase the equipment.

This took place following the United States’ lifting of its military embargo against Indonesia.

The Indonesian Army and the Indonesian Navy also have proposals to purchase equipment from the USA.

The Army has proposed the purchase of spare parts and weapons for tanks and armored vehicles that could not be operated because of the embargo.

The Navy has proposed the purchase of Harpoon missiles for its attack ships.
(Dimas Adityo-Tempo News Room)