Indonesia “with a heavy heart” is forced to abandon the purchase of multipurpose Su-35 fighters from Russia. This was stated by the Chief of the Indonesian Air Force General Staff, Air Chief Marshal Fajar Prasetio. He explained that the reason he refused was “budgetary considerations,” RIA Novosti reported, citing the Indonesian news portal Kompas.
In return, Indonesia is considering buying French Rafale fighters and American Boeing F-15 EXs, the Marshal added. According to him, from the very beginning it was known that when considering the issue of aircraft, everything depends on the budget. “If those people who are in charge of procurement are not very tuned in to the Su-35, then we cannot continue the discussion,” Prasetio described the situation. He clarified that Rafale is likely to be acquired, especially given the “strong” financing package for the deal.
Recall, information about the likely plans of the Indonesian Air Force for the acquisition of 35 Rafale aircraft and 15 F-15 EX aircraft appeared for the first time last year. Russian representatives said they were ready to supply Indonesia with 4 ++ generation Su-35 multipurpose fighters, despite pressure from some states.
Bloomberg News reported last year that the US “urged” Indonesia to end its acquisitions of Chinese-made Russian warplanes and warships as part of Washington’s global efforts to “counter US military superiority undermining US military superiority.” At the same time, an unnamed source in the Indonesian Defense Ministry told Bloomberg News that the country intends to abandon plans to acquire 11 Su-35 aircraft from Russia, Kompas recalls.
Source: Rosbalt
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
