US Warns Indonesia and Others About Buying Russian Weapons

SU35 Rusia [Marina] ⚓️

Indonesian MoD officials have previously confirmed to Jane’s that the Su-35 transaction consists of several elements consistent with Indonesia’s Defence Industry Law – also called Law 16 – through which the government seeks to secure offset-like benefits linked to defence procurement. The total value of the Su-35 contract, which features the supply of 11 aircraft, is USD 1.14 billions being financed through countertrade, with Indonesia expected to export to Russia a long list of commodities including palm oil, rubber, machinery, coffee, cocoa, textiles, tea, footwear, processed fish, furniture, copra, paper, and spices.

The Indonesian Air Force received two dozen used F-16 fighter jets from the United States, a delivery heralded as the largest transfer of excess defence articles in the history of the relationship. But a narrative is emerging concerning the extent to which arms sales are part of a regional power play between the United States, China and Russia to swing Indonesia’s foreign policy alignment.

Military education and training assistance have been touted as key to solidifying US–Indonesia ties as China’s hegemonic behaviour intensifies. Officials are now seeking to restore education and training of the controversial Indonesian Army Special Forces.

A recent Council on Foreign Relations report suggested the United States should increase funding for the International Military and Education Training (IMET) programs for Indonesian soldiers to ‘solidify pro-US sentiment’ and promote professionalism within the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The Indonesian National Armed Forces received almost $1.2 billion dollars aid from the U.S.

 CAATSA Sanctions 

While not a NATO member, Egypt, India and Indonesia have over the years received billions of dollars in economic and military aid and technologies from the United States,– is considered a long-time ally in the unstable Asia pacific region and its military operates the U.S. supplied weapons.

The official added that the imposition of U.S. sanctions under Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) was still a possibility if India, Egypt and Indonesia don’t reverse course.

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