Indonesia abandons plan to procure Su-35 from Russia in favor of American F-15EX, French Rafale

 

A CGI of the F-15EX fighter from Boeing. Photo c/o Boeing.

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) on 22 December 2021 confirmed that it has narrowed down its acquisition of new fighter aircraft to either or both the F-15EX and Rafale from the United States and France, respectively.

TNI-AU Chief of Staff Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo said that they have narrowed down the acquisition of new fighter aircraft to the two Western-made fighters, although he has not made indication if the purchase will be one of the two aircraft models, or a combination of both.

Marshal Prasetyo also confirmed that they are abandoning plans to purchase 11 new Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E from Russia worth US$1.14 billion, after prolonged delays on the procurement process, and disputes on counter-trade terms.

But there is also the heightened concerns on potential sanctions by the US Government as part of its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions (CAATSA) policy.

In 2018, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) signed an agreement to acquire 11 Sukhoi Su-35 fighters to replace its ageing fleet of American-made Northrop F-5E/F Tiger light fighters, which includes a counter-trade agreement worth US$570 million.

Budget has become a consideration in acquiring new fighter aircraft, as the TNI-AU plans to have up to 3 squadrons of new fighters that utilizes fighters with 30-40 years service life.

Indonesia previously announced plans to purchase 8 new F-15EX fighters from American aviation company Boeing, and 36 Rafale fighters from France's Dassault Aviation.

A Letter of Intent (LOI) was signed on June 2021 between French and Indonesian defense officials to support the purchase of 36 Rafale fighters by the TNI-AU.

Marshal Prasetyo also mentioned that Boeing made a confirmation that they can receive the F-15EX to the TNI-AU by 2027 if an agreement is reached now. 




[1] Benar News
[2] Aviacionline
[3] Janes