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Indonesia Seeks Weapons and Military Equipment from Russian Defense Industry.
Russia has confirmed the receipt of an official request from Indonesia regarding the acquisition of weapons and military equipment for the 2025-2030 period. This request, currently under review, was announced by Vladimir Bulavin, head of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security. Bulavin also noted that the two countries are currently collaborating on seven contracts within the framework of military-technical cooperation.
The BMP-3F is specially designed for operations at sea, with improved seaworthiness and high fire accuracy at sea. This can endure continuous amphibious operation for seven hours. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)
These contracts, focused on the supply of weapons and military equipment, are at various stages of implementation. “We have received an official request from Indonesia for deliveries between 2025 and 2030. Proposals from Russia to address this request are being prepared,” stated Bulavin, highlighting the dynamism of the military-technical partnership between the two nations.
In addition to supplying equipment, Russia continues to support Indonesia through the training of its military personnel. According to Bulavin, Russian instructors have trained over 6,000 Indonesian specialists over years of collaboration. More recently, several dozen Indonesian pilots were trained on a Su-27 flight simulator, illustrating the breadth of this bilateral cooperation.
The cooperation also extends to joint military exercises. Earlier this month, from November 4 to 8, the two countries conducted their first joint naval exercises, titled "Orruda-2024," in Surabaya. These maneuvers mark a significant step in strengthening maritime security collaboration.
Discussing future collaboration prospects, Bulavin expressed optimism. “There is mutual willingness and interest to continue our military contacts. The Indonesian side has even expressed interest in participating in our naval parades,” he added.
Military relations between Russia and Indonesia date back to the Soviet era, when the Soviet Union provided support to Indonesia in the 1950s and 1960s, notably in the form of arms and military equipment to bolster the capabilities of the Indonesian armed forces. After a period of cooled relations during the Cold War, cooperation resumed in the 2000s, marked by significant contracts, including the delivery of Su-27 and Su-30 fighters and BMP-3F armored vehicles.
The relationship has been further strengthened through military training agreements and joint exercises, with a focus on technology transfer and the training of Indonesian forces. More recently, the two countries have continued to collaborate through defense contracts and joint naval exercises, consolidating their partnership in a geopolitical context where Indonesia aims to diversify its arms suppliers.
This robust partnership reflects the deepening military-technical relations between Russia and Indonesia, paving the way for increased cooperation in the coming years.