DEFENSE MINISTER TO DISCUSS SUKHOI SU-35 PURCHASE IMMEDIATELY

Jakarta, 7 Dhulhijah 1436/21 September 2015 (MINA) – Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said here on Monday he would meet with Russian representatives this month end to discuss the planned purchase of Sukhoi SU-35 aircraft.

“We have not yet met (with the Russian representatives). It (the meeting) is planned at the end of this month,” he said while speaking at the House Commission I meeting room. Antaranews quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

He said he had received direct instructions from President Joko Widodo about purchasing this fighter jet.

He said the air force has so far used F-5 Tiger which is now already 40 years old.

“This will be used to replace the F-5 aircraft which is now 40 years old and even pilots are apprehensive about flying it,” he said.

He said the government would not buy an entire squadron all at once but would do so in stages.

He said Indonesia plans to first buy half a squadron. “It (the move) has been processed by the government, as instructed by the President.”

Mahfudz Siddiq, the chairman of House Commission I, who also oversees, among other areas, defense matters, said F-5 was no longer being used in many countries and cited the case of Taiwan which stopped using it two years back.

He said Indonesias F-5 squadron has indeed become old and it was time to replace these aircraft. “The Defense Forces Commander wished that the purchase could be accomplished in its entirety.”

The politician from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) said Indonesia needed to take a leap to modernize its main defense system equipment with one that could prove to be a deterrent effect in the region, such as the Sukhoi SU-35.

Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said here on Monday he would meet with Russian representatives this month end to discuss the planned purchase of Sukhoi SU-35 aircraft.

“We have not yet met (with the Russian representatives). It (the meeting) is planned at the end of this month,” he said while speaking at the House Commission I meeting room.

He said he had received direct instructions from President Joko Widodo about purchasing this fighter jet.
He said the air force has so far used F-5 Tiger which is now already 40 years old.

“This will be used to replace the F-5 aircraft which is now 40 years old and even pilots are apprehensive about flying it,” he said.

He said the government would not buy an entire squadron all at once but would do so in stages.

He said Indonesia plans to first buy half a squadron. “It (the move) has been processed by the government, as instructed by the President.”

He said Indonesias F-5 squadron has indeed become old and it was time to replace these aircraft. “The Defense Forces Commander wished that the purchase could be accomplished in its entirety.”

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)