Russia hands over three more Sukhoi jets

Three Russian-made Sukhoi jet fighter planes were officially handed over by the Russian government and counterpart Rosoboronexport to Indonesia Monday morning, adding to the National Air Force's four other Sukhoi collection that have been in operation since 2003.

According to Kompas.com, the official handing-over ceremony, which took place at the Sultan Hasanuddin Airforce Base in Makassar, South Sulawesi, was presided over by Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Alexander Ivanov, and the Defence Ministry's Secretary General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Prior to the reception, a Rusian pilot had test-flown the three jet planes, which had arrived in batches between Dec. 26 and Jan. 17.

With the recent addition, the Air Force now has a total of seven Sukhoi fighter jets, nicknamed 'flanker'.

Three other remaining planes are scheduled to arrive mid-this year and next year. (amr)