The US State Department on Thursday approved the potential sale of up to 36 F-15 fighter jets and related equipment to Indonesia for an estimated cost of $13.9 billion.
The equipment includes engines, radars, warning systems, cueing systems, navigation security systems and training pods, said the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in a statement.
“The proposed sale will improve Indonesia’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling it to provide increased deterrence and air defense coverage across a very complex air and maritime domain,” said the statement.
JUST IN: @StateDeptPM has OKed a nearly $14B sale of 36 new F-15 fighter jets to Indonesia. The @BoeingDefense-made F-15 is competing against the Dassault Rafale after Jakarta walked away from a deal with Russia for Sukhoi Su-35s https://t.co/TFT0YTJLfw
— Marcus Weisgerber (@MarcusReports) February 10, 2022
The agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of the possible sale Thursday.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” said the statement.
Rafale aircrafts from France
Indonesia on Thursday ordered 42 Rafale fighter jets from France, as Paris and Jakarta seek to strengthen military ties in the face of growing tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
The agreement was announced as Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto met his French counterpart Florence Parly in Jakarta.
“It’s official, Indonesia orders 42 Rafale,” said Parly on Twitter.
Subianto confirmed a deal had been struck for the purchase of the jets, with a contract signed Thursday relating to the first six.
Read more: Russia, ASEAN kick off first joint naval drills in Indonesian waters
It is the latest sign of warming ties between Jakarta and Paris, as France rethinks its alliances in the region following the collapse in September of a multibillion-dollar Australian submarine deal.
Paris was left furious by the debacle, saying it had been given no warning that Canberra was negotiating a new defence pact with the United States and Britain.
Australia is now obtaining nuclear-powered submarines as part of the new defence alliance, named AUKUS, which brings together Canberra, Washington and London to counter a rising China.
Anadolu with additional input by GVS News Desk