REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The United States has expressed willingness to fulfill Indonesia's military equipment needs following the latter's plan to replace its old F-5 Tiger jet fighters.
"I am not familiar with the details of the F-5 replacement plan, but we are always ready and eager to discuss our future opportunity with our Indonesian counterparts," US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs David B. Shear said here on Friday.
According to Shear, Indonesia and the US share comprehensive defense cooperation, including military exercises, sales, trade, and high-level defense meetings.
The developing military relationship between Indonesia and the US has been based on the common values and interests of both countries, which were established long time ago, Shear added.
According to Shear, the US has no plans to impose an embargo on spare parts to the Indonesian Military.
"It's hard for me to imagine the US placing such an embargo that will affect Indonesia, which is a strong partner," the Assistant Secretary remarked.
He noted the US government will do everything to ensure reliable support, commitment, and parts of military equipment for Indonesia.
"We have important agreements on F-16 jet fighters and Apache helicopters," Shear added.
The Indonesian government has been planning to replace its old F-5E Tiger jet fighters with other options such as Sukhoi Su-35, Saab 39 Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 60.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has received 5 of the 24 F-16 Fighting Falcons granted by the US in 2014.
The Indonesian Military has also decided to buy Apache combat helicopters from the US.
Eight Apache helicopters are expected to gradually enhance the Indonesian defense from 2018 to 2021.
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