Rafale, F15EX, BrahMos – Indonesia tries to resist Chinese military aggression with the support of Indo-Pacific democracies

More than the cost factor, it is China’s two-letter threat factor that seems to have prompted Indonesia to cancel its plan to acquire Russian Su35 fighter jets and explore the Dassault Rafale and Boeing option. of 4.5 generation F15EX Eagle II or both.

Indonesia needs the support and goodwill of the United States and other major Indo-Pacific democracies like never before in its recent history. , revealed that his government had abandoned its plan to acquire the Russian Su35 fighter jet, “mainly because of its budget”.

Boeing Eagle II or Dassault Rafale?

In February 2018, Indonesia signed an interim deal with Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport to acquire 11 Su35s for $1.14 billion.

But now it is said that if Jakarta chooses eight American jets, it would be around $750 million ($87.7 million plus pre-sales service for each) $100 million, although Jakarta thinks Paris could still be more flexible on fees.

According to the head of the Indonesian Air Force, he received a delegation from Boeing, who informed that if Jakarta signs the agreement for Eagle II, the aircraft will be delivered by 2027. As for entry of 36 Dassault Rafale, it could start from 2024.

Another theory is that the United States would have applied the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) against Indonesia if they had opted for the Russian Su35.