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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Russia and Indonesia
 
 
Russia ready for further discussion with Indonesia about Su-35 jet fighters procurement
 
Russia reiterated its readiness on Thursday, March 5, to comply with the transfer-of-technology scheme required by Indonesia should the latter opt to buy Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters to modernize its air force. “I talked to Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu a couple of months ago. We are fully aware of Indonesian government regulations on transfer-of-technology and industrial-offset schemes,” Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin told journalists.
     
Russia reiterated its readiness on Thursday, March 5, to comply with the transfer-of-technology scheme required by Indonesia should the latter opt to buy Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters to modernize its air force. “I talked to Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu a couple of months ago. We are fully aware of Indonesian government regulations on transfer-of-technology and industrial-offset schemes,” Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin told journalists.
Indonesian Air Force seeks replacement of its ageing fleet of F-5 E/F Tiger II fighter aircraft
     
We are ready and open for further discussion with our Indonesian partners on the feasibility of procuring Su-35s,” the 54-year-old diplomat added.

The statements came amid fierce competition from the world’s top jet fighter producers to supply replacements for the Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI-AU) aging F-5 E/F Tiger IIs.

Last week, Spanish Ambassador to Indonesia Francisco José Viqueira Niel claimed that Eurofighter Typhoon jet fighters were the best choice for Indonesia to modernize its air force when it comes to technical capabilities and the transfer of technology.

The Eurofighter consortium involves four countries, namely Spain, Germany, Italy and the UK.

Another strong contender is the single-engine Swedish-built SAAB Gripe; the Flanker and Typhoon are both twin-engine jet fighters.

But Galuzin talked up Russia’s military aircraft technology, claiming it was among the best in the world.

Currently, the TNI-AU operates a mixed fleet of single-seater Su-27s and double-seater Su-30s in the 11th squadron based at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

In January, 2015, Indonesian Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Djundan Eko Bintoro said that, during Galuzin’s meeting with Ryamizard, the envoy had also offered Kilo Class Type 636 submarines and Mi-17 helicopters to bolster the Indonesia’s maritime defense system.