BALI, January 8 (RIA Novosti) – Indonesia is considering Russia’s Sukhoi Su-35 fighter as a replacement for its Air Force’s aging F-5 Tiger jet, the country’s defense minister said.
The Su-35 is one of half a dozen options on the table, Purnomo Yusgiantoro told a press conference, Antara news agency reported Tuesday.
Possible alternatives also include the American F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the Swedish SAAB JAS 39 Gripen, said the Commander of the Armed Forces, General Moeldoko.
The Indonesian Defense Ministry wants to buy 16 new fighter jets between 2015 and 2020 to replace the F-5, which has been in service for three decades, according to Air Force Chief of Staff, Ida Bagus Putu Dunia.
Since 2003, Indonesia has purchased from Russia five Su-27SKM and 11 Su-30MK2 fighter jets.
The Southeast Asian country is also considering buying several Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines from Russia.
