Indonesia Shopping for Used Fighter Jets, Engines to Fill Air Protection Gaps

Indonesia is popping to surplus fight plane and engines to fill a gap in its frontline air defenses.

In line with protection minister Prabowo Subianto, the federal government has no selection however to purchase second-hand protection {hardware} till it finds more cash.

He cited an pressing must strengthen Jakarta’s air protection capabilities on account of rising tensions within the South China Sea.

On Thursday, Prabowo confirmed that Indonesia is shopping for 12 used Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar for $792 million.

The transfer comes because the nation awaits the supply of its first batch of Rafale fighter jets from France, which is able to happen no sooner than January 2026.

The Mirages are set to exchange Indonesia’s F-5 supersonic mild fighter jets, decommissioned in late 2005.

They are going to be stationed at Supadio Airbase close to the southern fringe of the disputed sea.

F-15 Engine Deal

Other than second-hand fight plane, Indonesia has additionally expressed curiosity in buying surplus F-15 jet engines from Japan.

It comes amid studies that Tokyo could should eliminate 200 Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines extracted from the Japan Air Self-Protection Drive’s retired F-15s.

The engines, principally 20 years outdated, can be utilized to assist the Indonesian Air Drive energy its getting old F-16 fighters.

The sale would increase Jakarta’s army modernization whereas bolstering Japan’s strategic affect within the area.

Declining Fight Readiness

In line with the Indonesian protection ministry, the necessity to procure extra fighter jets arises as many plane have already entered or are nearing retirement.

A lot of plane additionally should be upgraded, overhauled, or repaired.

Jakarta beforehand thought of buying Russian Sukhoi SU-35s to plug its air protection gaps, however was compelled to drop the plan on account of US sanction considerations.

In the meantime, negotiations are underway for the $14-billion acquisition of 36 McDonnell Douglas F-15EX twin-engine fighters and associated gear from Washington.

“Indonesia wants fighter jets that may be delivered rapidly to offset the Indonesian Air Drive’s declining fight readiness,” the ministry defined.