- Reaction score
- 66
- Points
- 530
This will make Australia nervous. While not an immediate threat to OZ it certainly could be a problem a few years down the road. The biggest concern I have is an islamist takeover of Indonesia.
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/indones/articles/20070909.aspx
Buying $12 Billion Worth of Russian Weapons
September 9, 2007: The government finalized a billion dollar arms purchase from Russia. Easy payment terms (fifteen years) were provided. The Russians are eager to please, as this is expected to be but the first installment of a larger arms deal that could add up to $12 billion or more. This massive sale would give Indonesia dozens of Su-27/30 aircraft and ten Kilo class submarines, as well as armored vehicles, helicopters, warships and a wide array of military equipment. Indonesia has no enemies in the region, although there is some hostility towards Australia (for being richer, more powerful and part of the "West"). The new weapons don't really change the balance of power in the region. It will take years of practice for the Indonesian pilots and sailors to master their new equipment. And that assumes that the government would spend the large amounts of money needed to pay for fuel and spare parts to keep the planes in the air, and the ships at sea, for that training. Meanwhile, Australia already has more advanced subs, and equally capable aircraft. Australia is getting more capable F-35 fighters. But, basically, Indonesian fighters and subs really don't have anyone to fight, which is why it's likely politicians will find other things to do with the money their pilots and sailors want for training.
http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/indones/articles/20070909.aspx
Buying $12 Billion Worth of Russian Weapons
September 9, 2007: The government finalized a billion dollar arms purchase from Russia. Easy payment terms (fifteen years) were provided. The Russians are eager to please, as this is expected to be but the first installment of a larger arms deal that could add up to $12 billion or more. This massive sale would give Indonesia dozens of Su-27/30 aircraft and ten Kilo class submarines, as well as armored vehicles, helicopters, warships and a wide array of military equipment. Indonesia has no enemies in the region, although there is some hostility towards Australia (for being richer, more powerful and part of the "West"). The new weapons don't really change the balance of power in the region. It will take years of practice for the Indonesian pilots and sailors to master their new equipment. And that assumes that the government would spend the large amounts of money needed to pay for fuel and spare parts to keep the planes in the air, and the ships at sea, for that training. Meanwhile, Australia already has more advanced subs, and equally capable aircraft. Australia is getting more capable F-35 fighters. But, basically, Indonesian fighters and subs really don't have anyone to fight, which is why it's likely politicians will find other things to do with the money their pilots and sailors want for training.
