Jakarta [Indonesia], August 23: Indonesian Defense Minister PrabowoSubianto visited the US to witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the purchase of 24 F-15EX fighters from Boeing.
Nikkei Asia newspaper reported on August 23 that Indonesia has just signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing of the US on the purchase of 24 F-15EX fighters , in a move to upgrade the aging military aircraft fleet.
The MoU was signed on August 21 by Major General Yusuf Jauhari, the head of Indonesia's defense facilities department, with Boeing Vice President Mark Sears, the Indonesian Defense Ministry said.
"We are pleased to announce our commitment to purchase the important F-15EX fighter jet for Indonesia. This state-of-the-art fighter will protect and ensure our nation's security thanks to its advanced capabilities. ", according to Indonesian Defense Minister PrabowoSubianto, who witnessed the signing ceremony in the city of St. Louis (Missouri state, USA).
Tensions in the region have increased the urgency of plans to strengthen Jakarta's defenses, while the government's program to modernize the country's aging military equipment and weapons has announced more than a decade ago, is progressing slowly.
The deal to buy F-15EX fighters follows similar agreements signed by Indonesia to purchase Rafale and Mirage fighters, both manufactured by French firm Dassault Aviation.
The Indonesian Defense Ministry has not disclosed the value of the agreement with Boeing. Minister Subianto earlier said Boeing had accepted the financial terms offered by Indonesia, adding that he believed it would be an "affordable" purchase.
Boeing says the F-15EX is the most advanced version of the F-15 ever built. The first delivery is made in 2021 for the US Air Force. The force plans to purchase 144 F-15EXs from the company to renew its fleet of F-15s.
"The F-15 EXs are equipped with advanced radar and other avionics systems, which allow the aircraft to detect and track targets with high accuracy. The F-15EX can be equipped. various weapons, including air-to-air missiles, bombs and other special weapons," according to the Indonesian Defense Ministry.
In June, the agency revealed it had signed a contract to buy 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighters worth $792 million, previously used by the Qatar Air Force.
Some have questioned whether the aircraft is used, but the Indonesian Defense Ministry believes that it should be received soon to replace aging military aircraft that have been used for decades.
Used Mirages from Qatar are expected to be delivered two years after the contract is signed, while the first three of the six new Rafales will be delivered in January 2026.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper