Indonesia has signed a $193 million deal with Russia for two Sukhoi Su-27SKs, two Su-30MKs and two Mil Mi-35 helicopters. Deliveries are due to begin in October.
The Su-30MKs are understood to be a customised Indonesian version based on the Su-30KI multirole fighter. The single-seat aircraft has enlarged internal fuel tanks and an in-flight refuelling system, but has neither the canards nor thrust-vectoring associated with Indian air force Su-30MKIs. The four Sukhoi aircraft will be built at KnAAPO in Komsomolsk-upon-Amur.
Indonesia has subsequently signed a series of deals with Russian state arms-export agency Rosoboronexport. In 2000-1, the agency sealed a deal for eight Mil Mi-2s and two Mil Mi-17s for the Indonesian navy. Deliveries are due in October. Unconfirmed reports say Indonesia has placed follow-on orders, bringing the number of helicopters to 26.
Jakarta is negotiating follow-on deals for Mi-17s, KBM Igla (SA-16 Gimlet) shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles and other air-defence systems, as well as co-operation in space. Meanwhile, Indonesia is talking to Poland about used Mil Mi-24 Hind and new PZL Sokol helicopters.
Source: Flight International
