AFTER experiencing a Western military equipment embargo, Admiral Slamet Soebijanto turned to the East for possibilities. Early in September, the Navy Chief of Staff and his team visited Russia to explore the purchase of warships from Rosoboronexport, Russias armament industry.

For Admiral Soebijanto, this trip was not out of the ordinary. It was aimed at determining the best options for purchasing military equipment to suit the needs of the navy.