The Indonesian military is beginning to show interest in the MAPO-MiG Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum, in the wake of its continued failure to obtain an additional batch of nine Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs from the USA.
According to local sources, Indonesian officials have begun obtaining initial information on the Russian fighter and possible suppliers. Data being sought include the possible availability of financing, and determining which companies will be authorised to sell and support the MiG-29.
The move is considered part of a growing Indonesian Government disillusionment with its principal weapons supplier, the USA. Proposed arms sales to the country are continually being frustrated by opponents within the US Congress, citing concerns over Indonesia's human-rights record.
Indonesia is considering outright cancellation of its planned purchase of nine stored F-16s from the USA, originally ordered by Pakistan, and delivery of which was also embargoed by the US Congress.
Notification of the deal to Congress has been delayed twice and, even if it is finally submitted for approval in June as now planned, Indonesian Government officials fear that the sale could be linked to the US Democratic Party funding-raising scandal (Flight International, 19-25 March).
Some observers consider any Indonesian interest in the MiG-29 as little more than posturing, pointing to the military's previous short-lived experience of operating Russian equipment in the 1960s. The Indonesian army, however, has reportedly ordered new armoured personnel carriers from Ukraine, following a US refusal to sell it similar vehicles.
The Indonesian air force's only alternative is to purchase new fighters from Europe. France is keen to secure a sale in South-East Asia of either its Dassault Mirage 2000-5 or the Rafale, while British Aerospace is pushing the Saab Gripen to complement its Hawk 100/200 advanced trainer/light-combat aircraft.
The latter could face domestic Swedish opposition, while it is not certain whether the USA would clear the Gripen's licence-built Volvo/General Electric F404-400 engine for sale to Jakarta.
Source: Flight International
