Posted on 03/03/2016 11:32:25 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Indonesia is currently mulling the purchase of an air defense system from China, a senior defense official said Monday.
According to Air Vice Marshal M. Syaugi, the director general of defense planning at Indonesia’s defense ministry, the country is currently evaluating the purchase of the Chinese-made AF902 Radar/Twin 35 mm AA Gun/PL-9C Missile Integrated Air Defense System (AF902 FCS/35) to bolster its aerial defense capabilities.
The evaluation, Syaugi told state-run news outlet Antara News on March 1, is being done in line with the Indonesian Armed Forces 2015-2019 strategic plan.
Syaugi made the remarks after a recent visit to China where he observed the AF902 FCS/35, an air defense system designed and manufactured by the Chinese company China North Industries Corp (Norinco).
“Based on [their] presentation and what was displayed [at that time], the air defense system offered [to us] was quite good,” he said according to The Jakarta Post.
Syaugi also said that the system was “as good as the Oerlikon,” referring to the Swiss-made Oerlikon SkyShield MK2 air defense system which is currently being used by the Air Force Special Forces (Paskhas) in the air force base in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.
The AF902 FCS/35 is designed primarily to intercept and destroy aircraft, low flying cruise missiles, and precision-guided missiles. It can also defeat lightly armored vehicles, surface targets,and concealed ground forces.
(Excerpt) Read more at thediplomat.com ...
From whom could the Indonesians be defending themselves? NK and China are the only possible aggressors. Muslim problems should all be internal. Is the East Timor Air Force still in existence?
When little countries start buying sophisticated systems like this, it is nervous making. Like giving a little kid a big revolver.
Indonesia is many things but little. It’s the world’s largest archipelago and among the most populous countries in the world, not to leave out being located on a vital trade link and having territorial tiffs with a host of neighbors (including China).
This particular system isn’t exactly sophisticated for a country that has been offered the newest F-16s.
I will not comment on whether we should or should not sell weapons to Indonesia. But buying weapons from the US is fraught with risk for the purchaser. It generally takes years for the weapons to be delivered and then you have to rely on good relations with the US to get spares and support. A weapon system can be in service for thirty years or longer with upgrades. During that time it is likely the presidency will change hands multiple times and the world situation will change. If the purchasing country wants to do something, and it can be small like allowing genetically modified produce or grain to be planted, and the US objects, the US may render the weapons system useless by lack of delivery or support.
It is less risk to buy weapons from Israel or Russia.
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