Will Indonesia Finally Purchase F-15EX Fighter Jets?
The Indonesian government and the United States are still negotiating about purchasing the F-15EX fighter jets. Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said the purchase of the 4.5 generation fighter jet is in an advanced stage and awaiting final government approval. According to Prabowo, Boeing, as the aircraft manufacturer, has agreed to the financial offer given by the government. "The decision now rests with Indonesia," Prabowo said on Monday.
According to Prabowo, the government's priority is to control the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and global inflation. "The impact of the Ukraine war is real," he said.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said the US would support the Indonesian government's defense systems and capabilities modernization. "We want to continue to help in any way we can. "The acquisition of the F-15 certainly improves interoperability," he said after meeting Prabowo.