Indonesia procures 12 used Mirage 2000-5 fighters from Qatar

 

One of the Mirage 2000-5EDA of the Qatar Emiri Air Force to be transferred to the Indonesian Air Force. Photo c/o Airspace Review.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that it has signed a US$795 million contract early this year to procure 12 used Dassault Mirage 2000-5 single-engine fighter aircraft previously used by the Qatar Emiri Air Force.

The deal was justified by the Indonesian MOD as a quick stop gap measure to plug the fighter and air defense gap of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), despite criticisms from lawmakers that the price is too high, issues on maintenance are a concern as spare parts as proving to be more difficult to obtain, and the TNI-AU currently operates too many types of fighter aircraft in small numbers.

Czech company Excalibur International, a unit of defense company Czechoslovak Group (CSG) will facilitate the deal, while foreign loans will be used by the Indonesian government to pay for the aircraft, with the company expected to complete the delivery of all aircraft within 2 years from signing of contract.

The deal includes the transfer of 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighters consisting of nine single-seat Mirage 2000-5EDA and three twin-seat Mirage 2000-5DDA variants. It also includes 14 engines, ground support equipment, and will also include training of air and ground crew, and three years of support services.

The procurement of stop-gap fighter aircraft comes as Indonesia failed to realise an earlier deal with Russia to procure 11 new Sukhoi Su-35 fighter aircraft, which were suppose to replace the Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II fighters that were recently retired from TNI-AU service.

Indonesia also have an existing deal with France to procure new Rafale multirole fighter, and is in discussion with the United States for the possible procurement of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II multirole fighter. It also partnered with South Korea in the production of the KF-21 Boramae fighter, in which Indonesia committed to procure around 50 aircraft.




[1] Defense News
[2] Channel News Asia
[3] Benar News