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Indonesian Air Force may purchase Su-35 to replace its ageing F-5 fleet
airforce-technology
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) is reportedly favouring the Russian-built Su-35 Flanker multi-role fighter aircraft to replace its ageing F-5 Tiger fighter fleet.
Indonesian Air Force chief vice marshal Agus Supriatna was quoted by ANTARA News as saying that the Su-35 addresses the requirements of the air force's weaponry system, and will easily be maintained by the technicians.
Supriatna said: "We hope the government fulfils our wish to purchase Sukhoi SU-35s.
"All can place orders, but we, as the operators, want jets over generation four to be ordered."
"Russia has already signalled its readiness to supply Su-35 fighters, if they are selected by the Indonesian Government."
The Indonesian Military commander general Moeldoko has listed the US F-16 Block 52+ Fighting Falcon, Eurofighter Typhoon, Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighters, in addition to the Su-35 as the potential candidates for the F-5 replacement programme.
Russia has already signalled its readiness to supply Su-35 fighters, if they are selected by the Indonesian Government.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin earlier told the news agency: "We hope the agreement to buy the Su-35 can be realised.
"Military cooperation between the two countries was established a long time ago and we want to maintain that."
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Government is still considering whether new fighter jets should be procured for replacement of the old Northrop Grumman-built F-5 E Tigers.
Around 11 F-5E/F fighters are currently flown by TNI-AU's Air Squadron 14, headquartered at Iswahyudi Air Force Base, for a range of combat missions.
The Su-35 is an upgraded variant of the Su-27M Flanker. It is an advanced capability air superiority fighter and is designed to simultaneously engage multiple air targets using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.
The aircraft is designed by Sukhoi and manufactured by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association. It is currently used by the Russian Air Force.
Indonesian Air Force Hopes To Replace F-5 Tigers With Su-35s Fighter Jets
indonesian Air Force has requested for more sophisticated fighter jets such as Sukhoi Su-35s to replace its F-5 Tigers, Antara News reported Wednesday.
“Russian-made Sukhoi SU-35 meets the requirements of TNI-AUs weaponry system,” Chief of Air Force Vice Marshall Agus Suprianta was quoted as saying after opening a leadership meeting of the air force.
“He expressed hope that the government will fulfill the desire of the air force and purchase Sukhoi SU-35s to reinforce its weaponry system to ensure security in the Indonesian airspace,” Suprianta said.
"We hope the government fulfills our wish to purchase Sukhoi SU-35s. All can place orders, but we, as the operators, want jets over generation 4 to be ordered," he added.
He expressed that it would be easier to maintain Sukhoi planes and would enhance Indonesia’s air force.
"We hope our technicians do not face any problems with the Sukhoi planes. It is important that we purchase jets from the newer generations," Supriatna noted. Furthermore, the Russian government supports Indonesias wish to buy the multipurpose fighter jet Sukhoi SU-35 to enhance the country’s air force. "We hope the agreement to buy SU-35s can be realized. Military cooperation between the two countries was established a long time ago. We want to maintain that," Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin said late last month. The ambassador added that the Russian government was ready for the same if Indonesia decided to buy Su-35s. "Russia believes that there is potential for cooperation with Indonesia in the construction and military sectors, among others.