Habibie in Moscow for arms info

JAKARTA (JP): The state minister of research and technology, B.J. Habibie, visited an aircraft maker in Moscow on Thursday to get first-hand information on Russia's defense industry.

The director of aircraft maker MIG MAPO, Ivan Bedko, welcomed Habibie and his 30-strong entourage.

MIG aircraft are among the Russian-made defense systems that Indonesia is considering buying.

Habibie was briefed on the specifications of the MIG-29 jet fighter, including its design and electronic systems.

"The purpose of my visit is to make an assessment of the technological aspects," Habibie was quoted by Antaraas saying.

Habibie also inspected the jet fighter hangar at Moscow's Serevejevo 1 airport.

An Indonesian pilot, Lt. Col. Sumarsono, took part in a demonstration flight.

Indonesia has expressed interest in buying Russian Sukhoi-30 and MIG-29 fighters, as well as radars, guided missiles, helicopters, and warships from Russia.

Jakarta has sent several officials, including Commander of the Armed Forces Gen. Feisal Tanjung, to get first-hand information on Russian military technology.

Indonesia turned to Russia for its military equipment after it canceled its plan to buy nine F-16 fighters from the United States in May, in response to U.S. Congress criticism of Indonesia's human rights record in East Timor.

Habibie, who arrived in Moscow on Tuesday, said he would send another technical team to make further assessments soon.

On Wednesday, the state minister of national development planning, Ginandjar Kartasasmita, said financing was probably the only unsolved issue with Russia.

Indonesia is considering a counter-purchase system because Russia does not provide an export-credit scheme. (06)