Indonesia has begun to focus attention on a range of alternative Russian and European-built fighter aircraft, following the Government's decision to cancel its planned purchase of nine Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs from the USA (Flight International, 2-8 April).
An Indonesian military delegation is understood to have already visited Russia and been briefed on the MAPO-MIG MiG-29 Fulcrum, as well as the more capable Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker and Su-30 fighters. A Russian aerospace sales team has in turn been to Jakarta to gather local support.
At least one senior Indonesian air force officer has test-flown the twin-engine MiG-29 and was reportedly impressed by its performance and handling. The Indonesian military is also thought to have been in contact with the Malaysian air force, which has operated 18 of the aircraft since 1995. Dassault, meanwhile, has stepped up efforts to market the Mirage 2000-5 in Jakarta, stimulating growing local interest in the French fighter, despite its relatively high cost. Italy has similarly begun actively to promote the cheaper Alenia/Aermacchi/Embraer AMX to Indonesia.
Interest in the Saab Gripen appears to be low-key, say local sources, given the uncertainty over the attitude of the Swedish Government and possible US veto of any sale of the aircraft's licence-built Volvo/General Electric F404-400 engine.
The policy of the newly elected UK Government to any further sales of BAe Hawk 100/200 in addition to the 40 already in service or on order also appears to be unclear.
Indonesia's President Suharto decided to scrap the planned purchase of nine F-16s, originally ordered by Pakistan, in response to continuing US political criticism of the country's human-rights record. Jakarta at the same time has pulled out of the US-financed International Military Education Training (IMET) programme, pre- empting moves by US representative Patrick Kennedy to exclude Indonesia. Approval for the $160 million F-16 deal has been blocked by opposition within the US Congress since August 1996.
Recently uncovered Indonesian donations to the US Democratic Party have generated further controversy in Washington and effectively undermined efforts by President Clinton's administration to secure the support needed for the sale.
Clinton had wanted to use the sale to refund Pakistan in part for the embargoed delivery of 28 completed F-16s, as well as to mend fences with Indonesia. Relations have been strained since the US Government vetoed the sale of four surplus Jordanian Northrop F-5E/Fs to Indonesia in 1993.
Source: Flight International
