Russia Ready to Transfer Sukhoi Technologies to Indonesia

Russia reiterated its readiness on Thursday to comply with the transfer-of-technology scheme required by Indonesia should the latter opt to buy Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters to modernize its air force.

“I talked to Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu a couple of months ago. We are fully aware of Indonesian government regulations on transfer-of-technology and industrial-offset schemes,” Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Galuzin told journalists at his residence in South Jakarta recently.

“We are ready and open for further discussion with our Indonesian partners on the feasibility of procuring Su-35s,” the 54-year-old diplomat added.

The statements came amid fierce competition from the world’s top jet fighter producers to supply replacements for the Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI-AU) aging F-5 E/F Tiger IIs.

Last week, Spanish Ambassador to Indonesia Francisco José Viqueira Niel claimed that Eurofighter Typhoon jet fighters were the best choice for Indonesia to modernize its air force when it comes to technical capabilities and the transfer of technology.

The Eurofighter consortium involves four countries, namely Spain, Germany, Italy and the UK. Another strong contender is the single-engine Swedish-built SAAB Gripe; the Flanker and Typhoon are both twin-engine jet fighters.

But Galuzin talked up Russia’s military aircraft technology, claiming it was among the best in the world. This year, he added, Russia would host three international military events to showcase its advanced military technologies and capabilities.

In June, the Russian Defense Ministry will host the “ARMY-2015”, an international military technical forum. About a month later, St. Petersburg will exhibit the 2015 International Maritime Defense Show.

“In August, the MAKS 2015, or the 12th International Aviation and Space Salon, will be held in Moscow,” Galuzin said.

Currently, the TNI-AU operates a mixed fleet of single-seater Su-27s and double-seater Su-30s in the 11th squadron based at Sultan Hasanuddin Air Force Base in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

In January, 2015, Indonesian Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Djundan Eko Bintoro said that, during Galuzin’s meeting with Ryamizard, the envoy had also offered Kilo Class Type 636 submarines and Mi-17 helicopters to bolster the Indonesia’s maritime defense system. 

Meanwhile Bloomberg reported that Russia’s exports were expected to drop from a record in 2015 with major programs closing and falling oil prices affecting clients such as Iran and Venezuela, consultants IHS Inc. said.

The report said, Saudi Arabia became the largest importer of defense equipment last year, surpassing India.  Inbound shipments jumped 54 percent in 2014 when Saudi Arabia also became the top trading partner with the US, the biggest exporter, Englewood, Colorado-based IHS said in a report Sunday. Saudi Arabia will import 52 percent more defense equipment this year, to US$9.8 billion, it said. The Boeing Co. was the top company exporter last year, followed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and Raytheon Co., according to the report.