Arms Package for Indonesia

 US plans $ 1.4-billion arms package for Indonesia

Washington - The Obama administration is proposing a potential $ 1.4-billion arms package for Indonesia, including eight Boeing Co Apache AH-64D attack helicopters, in a fresh tightening of security ties in a region rattled by China's growing territorial assertiveness.

The deal would include fire control radars, common missile warning systems, radar signal detecting sets and 140 state-of-the-art Lockheed Martin Corp Hellfire II AGM-114R precision-strike missiles, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to the U.S. Congress published Friday.

Indonesia is Southeast Asia's most populous country and the world's most populous Muslim-majority state. Plans for several U.S. arms transfers to it have been announced since late last year that would make Jakarta a more militarily capable regional partner.

Indonesia would use the twin-engine Apache helicopters to defend its borders, conduct counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations, "and control the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Malacca," the security agency said in its memo.

The proposed sale would provide Indonesia assets vital to deterring external and other potential threats, the Pentagon agency said.

The narrow and congested waterway is a potential choke point linking the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean. The shortest sea route between the Middle East and growing Asian markets, it washes the shores of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and carries about 40 percent of the world's trade.

Piracy, including attempted theft and hijackings, is a constant threat to tankers, though the number of attacks has dropped following stepped-up patrols by the littoral states.  

 REGIONAL SECURITY

AGM65 Cutaway

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who announced the planned Apache sale on Thursday without providing details on the rest of the arms package, said it would boost a comprehensive partnership with Indonesia and enhance security across the region.

She spoke in Washington during a meeting with visiting Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.

Indonesia represents just part of an increasing U.S. emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region for national security planning as China presses its claims on disputed territory, notably in the South China Sea.

The United States is also building Guam as a strategic hub, deploying up to four shore-hugging littoral combat ships on a rotational basis to Singapore and preparing a 2,500-strong Marine Corps task force rotation as part of a growing military partnership with Australia.

The arms and services called for under the $ 1.4 billion Indonesia package will provide key elements required for "interoperability" with U.S. forces, the security agency's notice said.

Also included are "Identification Friend or Foe transponders," 30mm guns and ammunition, communication equipment, tools and test equipment, simulators, generators, personnel training and logistics support services, the agency said.

The Hellfire II, included in the package, is the primary air-to-ground precision missile of its size for U.S. armed forces as well as the Central Intelligence Agency's paramilitary capabilities and many U.S. allies.

The notice of such a sale is required by law. It does not mean that a deal has been concluded.

President Barack Obama announced in November plans to give Indonesia 24 decommisioned Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets, with Jakarta paying up $ 750 million to upgrade them and overhaul their engines, which are made by United Technologies Corp's Pratt & Whitney unit.

The Pentagon moved in August to supply Raytheon Co AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground guided missiles and related gear valued at $ 25 million for Indonesia's growing F-16 fleet.

© Reuters

 Indonesia - AH 64D Apache Block III Longbow Attack Helicopters

Hellfire missile

Washington, 21 September 2012 - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of September 19 of possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Indonesia from 8 AH-64D Apache Block III Longbow Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. Estimation cost of $ 1.42 billion.

The Government of Indonesia has requested a possible sale of :

- 8 AH-64D Block III APACHE Longbow Attack helicopters,
- 19 T-700-GE-701D engines (16 installed and 3 spares),
- 9 Modernized Target Acquisition Determination and Vision / Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors,
- 4 AN/APG-78 Fire Control radar (FCR) with Radar Electronics Unit (Longbow Component),
- 4 Radar Frequency Interferometer AN/APR-48A,
- 10 AAR-57 (V) 3/5 general Missile Warning System (community midwives) with 5 th Improved Sensors and Countermeasures Dispenser,
- 10 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets,
- 10 AN/APR-39A (V) 4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets,
- 24 Vision Integrated Helmet and Display System (IHDSS-21),
- 32 M299A1 Fire Missile Launchers, and
- AGM-140 Hellfire missile 114R3.

Also included is the Identification Friend or Foe transponder, 30mm and weapons, ammunition communications equipment, tools and test equipment, training devices, simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles, equipment organization, spares and repairs, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. Estimated cost is $ 1.42 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Southeast Asia.

The proposed sale of the Government of Indonesia to provide important assets to protect and prevent both external and Another potential threat. Indonesia will use Apache helicopters to defend its borders, conduct counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations, and controlling the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Malacca.

The materials and services under this program will enable Indonesia to become more capable defensive force and will also provide the key elements necessary for interoperability with U.S. forces. Proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company in Mesa, Arizona, Lockheed Martin Corporation in Orlando, Florida, General Electric Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, Lockheed Martin Millimeter Technology in Owego, New York, and the Longbow Limited Liability Corporation in Orlando, Florida

© dcsa