Navy to buy new equipment

SURABAYA: The Navy is planning to buy new equipment worth millions of U.S. dollars in 2003, Navy commander Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh said on Friday.

Bernard said the Navy would buy combat simulation equipment, warships, helicopters and weapons.

"This (the purchase of the equipment) is part of the Navy's efforts to improve its professionalism," Bernard was quoted by Antara as saying.

He said the Navy would buy combat simulation equipment worth US$4.5 million from Germany, which would be installed in the Navy's Training Command in Surabaya, East Java, to replace antiquated British-made equipment.

The combat simulation equipment was expected to arrive in Surabaya in March 2003.

He also said that the Navy would also buy a Landing Ship Tank (LST) -- which carries personnel and heavy equipment -- worth US$35 million from South Korea. The craft is expected to arrive in Indonesia in July 2003.

In addition, the Navy is also to buy 16 helicopters from Spain and three locally-produced patrol boats. --Antara