Indonesia is in the process of modernizing its air force, considering the purchase of second-hand fighter aircraft from China and Russia. This decision comes soon after the country’s joining as a full member of the BRICS grouping. The BRICS bloc includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. More recently, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has been spearheading moves for Indonesia to obtain dozens of China’s Chengdu J-10 fighters. He is deeply interested in resuming a stalled agreement on buying Su-35 fighters from Russia.
Indonesia is in the midst of a historic turnaround in its military acquisition policy. The country is increasingly shifting its dependence away from Western military hardware. The J-10s will be updated with new features to conform to export requirements. This decision underscores Indonesia’s serious intent with regard to improving its military capabilities.
Shift in Military Acquisition Strategy
In the past, Indonesia has looked to acquire military hardware almost exclusively from Western countries. The recent geopolitical currents and Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS seem to be affecting its trajectory. Reports indicate that the air force aims to modernize its fleet by acquiring second-hand jets, specifically considering Chinese and Russian options.
In 2021, Indonesia’s air force backtracked on plans to purchase Russian Su-35s. Budgetary limitations and concerns about future U.S. sanctions pushed this decision. The increased attention to these aircraft signals a larger change in budgetary focus and strategic priorities in the context of Indonesia’s defense policy.
“But I will make the point that Indonesia sources equipment from all around the world and has done for a number of decades,” – Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy
Resuming Talks with Russia
Indonesia is reportedly in active discussions with China on alternative financing. Brown notes that, at the same time, the country has been trying to revive talks about purchasing Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. Yet the air force was hampered by budget cuts and outside pressure from U.S. sanctions. This stalled deal turned into their biggest worry as they tried to work through these issues.
Indonesia’s Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto has insisted that the modernisation of Indonesia’s military is crucial to maintaining national security. While Indonesia is certainly very much going ahead with these kinds of negotiations, it has been wary and cautious about its international relations. In a strong diplomatic message to Australia, Prabowo promised that Indonesian airspace would not be used to host Russian military aircraft in Papua province. This response comes on heels of Russia allegedly requesting access to Manuhua Air Force Base at Biak Numfor.
Geopolitical Implications
Indonesia’s decision to join BRICS has been described as a strategic move to counter Western political and economic hegemony. By diversifying its military procurement sources, Indonesia seeks not only to bolster its defense capabilities but to assert its independence on the global stage.
As these discussions progress, the potential implications for regional security dynamics are enormous. At the same time, potential Chinese and Russian acquisitions threaten to tip the balance of power in Southeast Asia. This moment similarly marks a new chapter in Indonesia’s role on the world stage.
“I will not comment on speculation in the media.” – Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy
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