"In the future, we should be able to produce war planes. We should not continue to purchase (from others)," Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said at the State Palace here on Tuesday.
He said Indonesia and South Korea are finalizing the concept for joint production of KFX/IFX jet fighters with a capability equal to that of stealth jets.
In order to maintain air and border security, the Indonesian government will also purchase eight Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters from Russia, the Defense Minister said.
"We have friendly relations with many countries. We are not a country that has one-on-one (relationship with one particular country). We will buy (arsenal from any country) which we think is good," noted Ryamizard.
Based on the agreement, which was signed by the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the Indonesian defense ministry, Indonesia will invest 1.6trillion won (Rp 13trillion) in the Korea Fighter Experimental (KF-X/IF-X) jet fighter production.
Besides that, according to Minister Ryamizard, President Joko Widodo will visit Russia in the third week of May to participate in the Russia-ASEAN Summit and will witness the signing of an agreement to purchase eight 4.5-generation Sukhoi Su-35.
Speaking to journalists here on Tuesday, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu affirmed that the plan to purchase eight 4.5-generation Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters was finalized after Indonesia bought 24 Sukhoi 27/30 aircraft.
Prior to his visit to Russia to attend the Russia-ASEAN Summit in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, President Widodo will visit South Korea. The two-nation tour will be undertaken on May 16-20.
According to Salim Mengga, a member of the House of Representatives' Commission I overseeing defense, foreign affairs and information, the purchase of Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft was aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Indonesian Defense
"We have friendly relations with many countries. We are not a country that has one-on-one (relationship with one particular country). We will buy (arsenal from any country) which we think is good," noted Ryamizard.
"We have friendly relations with many countries. We are not a country that has one-on-one (relationship with one particular country). We will buy (arsenal from any country) which we think is good," noted Ryamizard.