Beware of Buying Sukhois

The government should keep a close watch on the Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker procurement by the defense ministry to stave off brokers and bloated costs. As such, it needs to first make sure that the purchase is auditable before rushing in on unclear procedures. After all, President Joko Widodo refrained from signing the purchase contract when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow two weeks ago.

Previously, just ahead of Jokowi's arrival, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu told the media that Indonesia was set to buy eight Su-35 units. The jets are to replace the Air Force's aging F-5 Tiger light-fighter jets. Ryacudu said that Su-35's avionic system is superior to the fifth-generation US F-22 Raptor stealth fighter aircrafts.

May 31, 2016