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| Sukhoi Su-30MK2 Flanker (File Photo) |
By Randy Fabi
Indonesia plans to buy more than a dozen Russian Sukhoi fighter jets and domestically made, missile-equipped patrol ships as part of a $15 billion five-year campaign to modernise its military, defence officials said on Wednesday.
Southeast Asia's largest economy has sharply increased its defence budget since 2010 as the military looks to bolster its capacity to protect shipping lanes, ports and maritime boundaries.
Indonesia is also wary of being left behind as China, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and other Asian nations ramp up defence spending.
Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said Indonesia wanted to buy a full squadron of the Sukhoi fighter jets and the patrol boats.
He also warned delegates at a military conference that rapidly increasing military spending and stronger defence capabilities in the region could sow distrust and fuel rivalry.
Read the full story at Reuters