RI to acquire Leopard tanks before 2014

Kompas.comThe Indonesian Army’s purchase of 100 Leopard tanks from the Netherlands is expected to be completed before 2014.

“At the moment, we haven’t finished with the assessment. Our team is still undergoing talks and everything is expected to finish before 2014,” said Army chief Gen. Edhie Wibowo in Surabaya on Wednesday night.

Late last month, a team of army officials departed to the Netherlands to have a closer look at the tanks.

“Once again I assure you, if the Netherlands plans to sell [the tanks], we’ll buy. If not, we’ll leave. Let’s just wait for the next development,” he added.

He said Germany had also joined the talks. German-made tanks have become a second option if the purchase deal with the Netherlands falls through.

“Yes, there is an alternative offer from Germany. However, we haven’t decided on anything yet. We will try to wrap things up before 2014,” he said, as reported by Antara news agency.

The government has allocated Rp 14 trillion (US$1.55 billion) to modernize the army’s weaponry. As much as $280 million is designated for tanks.Kompas.com

“[The modernization plan] includes the purchase of more helicopters, the procurement of panzers by PT Pindad, and other main weaponry systems. Leopard tanks are just a small part of it,” he said.

So far, the army has also has a plan to buy cannons, missiles, rocket launchers and other weapons this year. (tas)