JAKARTA — The United States announced Monday it would sell eight Apache attack helicopters to Jakarta as it seeks to bolster ties with Southeast Asia despite concerns over the Indonesian military’s rights record.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel disclosed the $500 million deal — which includes pilot training and radars — on a visit to the Indonesian capital, his second stop on a week-long tour of the region.
It is aimed at strengthening military ties as part of the US “pivot” toward the Asia-Pacific amid concern about Beijing’s growing assertiveness, but Hagel’s attention has been diverted from the trip by a confrontation with Syria.
“Providing Indonesia these world-class helicopters is an example of our commitment to help build Indonesia’s military capability,” said Hagel after talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.
“A strong Indonesia is good for the region.”
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