Indonesia Eyeing Russian Submarines

Su 35 BM

Jakarta ☆ The Indonesian military (TNI) chief Gen. Moeldoko, confirmed that TNI is studying the possibility of strengthening its submarine fleet with Russian Kilo Class submarines.

"Currently we are still studying and calculating the plan to strengthen our defense in the water territory.

"It would be great if we could acquire the Kilo Class submarines, which have a long firing range of guided missiles," Moeldoko said here on Sunday.

The type of Kilo Class submarine named Kiloklav could hit a target as long as 400 kilometers away from sub-surface to surface.

Earlier the Navy chief of staff Admiral Marsetio said a navy technical team would be sent to Russia to study a submarine offer.

Indonesia will also acquire three units of submarine from South Korea to add to the two units the navy already has at present.

One of the two units is the 209 class type from Germany and the other one was from South Korea with almost the same type as the one from Germany .

The two submarines have been modified into combat management, which has greater attacking capability.

Meanwhile, the TNI is also awaiting the arrival of Apache helicopters from the United states. This type of military helicopters have been used only by a number of countries including the United States itself and Singapore.

TNI has also ordered a number of Leopard tanks which are considered among the best in the world .

From France and Britain ,Indonesia plans to import equipment for air defense system .

Moeldoko said he also wants that the TNI could have Sukhoi 35, the latest series of Russian Sukhoi fighter aircraft.

He said most of the types of war equipment are expected to be displayed at the armed force day in Surabaya on Oct. 5.

"This is to send a message that the president has taken a progressive step toward modernization of the Indonesia defense system," he said, adding "in ASEAN standard our defense equipment would be promising."

  ♞ Antara