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Sukhois best option for Indonesia, says TNI chief
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Three Sukhoi jet fighters fly over Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, on April 27. (Antara/Jojon)
T
he Russian-made Sukhoi SU-35 jet is the best choice to secure Indonesia's expansive archipelagic territory, according to the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) top brass.
"After discussions and also going through a symposium, the SU-35 is currently rated as the best means of defense to safeguard the vast maritime territory of Indonesia," TNI Chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said on Wednesday.
The military commander however underlined that procurement of the jet fighters was not up to the TNI. The national defense force has come up with a set of recommendations pointing to the selection of the Sukhoi SU-35, following a comprehensive internal meeting involving all levels of the TNI, Gatot said as quoted by Antara.
"Procurement is in the hands of the Defense Ministry, the TNI only conveys its needs," he added, without saying when the symposium that produced the recommendation had occurred.
Gatot said Indonesia’s vast and open maritime territory required sophisticated defense equipment that would enable a rapid response in the face of an incoming threat.
Previously, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryucudu said President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo would witness the signing of the procurement deal for eight jet fighters in Russia this month as part of Indonesia's plan to renew its primary weapons systems.
Indonesia already has 24 Sukhoi SU-27/30 aircraft.
The President is currently in Sochi, Russia, until May 20 to attend the ASEAN-Russia Summit, where he is also scheduled to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Gatot refrained from commenting on the purchase of the new jets. He said the government and the TNI hoped the SU-35 could strengthen the TNI’s monitoring capacity across the archipelago, especially its seas and borders.
"If we get it, rest assured [our defense] will be the best," Gatot said as quoted by Tempo.co. (liz/dmr)
