RI to purchase Russian subs

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 02/09/2009 12:14 PM  |  National

The government is set to purchase Russian-made submarine, a legislator said Monday.

"There's always been a plan to purchase submarines and I've surveyed a few submarine workshops in Moscow, Russia. This submarine will display our naval strength and allow us to be ready for any armed conflicts," Yusron Ihza, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives' Commission I on political, security and foreign affairs said, as quoted by Antara news.

Ihza added that due to the global economic downturn, the purchase would be made in stages.

"It's not necessary to own many submarines since they are expensive, just three state of the art units will suffice to safeguard the integrity of our waters," Ihza said.

He added that the country's economic power needed enhancement as it correlates to the country's defense and security.

If the country's economy lies in the balance, so does our defense, Ihza said.

"My colleagues and I at the House have fought for an increase in defense spending, yet unfortunately this isn't possible now," he said, adding that only a third of the proposed defense budget was approved.

"It is an ongoing dilemma", he said, "as our defense infrastructure is overstreched, yet state funds are limited". (amr)

 

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