Indonesia has been on the global defense market’s watchlist, after affirmations that its intention to purchase Su-35 fighter jets from Russia remains active, despite speculations and external pressures suggesting otherwise.
Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares clarified that while the deal was indeed on hold, it was not terminated but postponed due to “certain potential inconveniences.” Tavares stated, “Indeed, at some point, Russia and Indonesia signed this treaty. Indonesia has never terminated it.”
The background of this wavering stance lies in the complex geopolitical pressures faced by Jakarta. Evidently, nearly 30% of the Indonesian military’s arsenal consists of Russian-made weaponry.
The Southeast Asian nation, which planned to acquire 11 of these jets, faced intense scrutiny when misinformation about a cancellation due to budget constraints circulated, with sources like CNN Indonesia reporting an abandoned deal in late 2021.
Contrary to these reports, the $1.1 billion contract encountered delays not because of financial issues but due to the intricate trade arrangements required to circumvent the use of the US dollar—a move that sparked the ire of Washington.
The CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) loomed large, with the United States allegedly attempting to sway Indonesia against proceeding with the purchase, which could be seen as a challenge to the hegemony of the US dollar in international trade.
The Su-35 deal, first publicized in early 2018, was not merely a trade but also a statement of sovereignty. Former Indonesian Trade Ministry’s International Trade Director General Oke Nurwan confirmed attempts at American blackmail, presumably aimed at preserving the dollar’s global reserve currency status, an element central to the US’s global influence.
Indonesia’s relationship with Russian military hardware has been resilient, as illustrated by the ambassador’s reassurances that Indonesia will revisit the deal once conditions are more accommodating. This situation illustrates the delicate balance nations must strike between their defense needs and international diplomatic pressures.
The Su-35, a formidable aircraft boasting advanced capabilities like thrust vectoring controls and a suite of hypersonic missiles, offers a stark contrast to Western alternatives in both price and performance.
Indonesia’s apparent commitment to eventually proceeding with the Russian deal, despite also securing contracts with the United States for Boeing F-15EX jets and France for Rafale jets, portrays a nuanced strategy—balancing its military modernization with a diversified portfolio of suppliers.
The Su-35’s global sales narrative has been tumultuous, with only two current operators—Russia and China. Efforts to secure deals with countries like the United Arab Emirates and Egypt met challenges, including pressure from the United States and domestic production ambitions.
Even Turkey and India, both navigating their complex military procurement pathways, have considered the Russian jet without concrete outcomes.
While the Su-35 has demonstrated its mettle in various theaters, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the global market for heavy fighters has remained limited, with political, economic, and strategic factors outweighing pure performance metrics. Nonetheless, Indonesia’s decision will be a significant indicator of the Su-35’s international viability amid the evolving global defense landscape.
As the world observes the shifting sands of military alliances and procurement decisions, Indonesia’s navigation of political currents while advancing its defense capabilities remains a point of significant interest for military tech and politics enthusiasts.
The forthcoming decisions will indeed draw attention, but for now, the Su-35’s fate within Indonesia’s air force hangs in a delicate balance as the nation waits for a more accommodating geopolitical climate to proceed with its implementation.
Relevant articles:
– Indonesia waiting to supply Su, weeklyblitz.net
– Indonesian ambassador says Su-35 fighter jets contract remains in force, TASS
– Indonesia Awaits “Accommodating” Conditions to Resume Su-35 Fighter Jet Deal with Russia, Defense Mirror
– Russia’s ‘Invincible’ Su-35 Flanker-E Fighter Continues To ‘Bite The Dust’; List Of ‘Disinterested’ Nations Swell, EurAsian Times