RI to spend $308m on more Sukhois

JAKARTA: Air Force chief Marshal Chappy Hakim said on Wednesday the country would need US$308 million to buy eight more Russian jet fighter Sukhois.

Speaking to visiting members of House of Representatives Commission I for defense and political affairs, Chappy said the arrival of the new warplanes would enable the country to have a squadron of sophisticated jet fighters, following the purchase of four Sukhois earlier this year.

He said the Air Force expected the purchase could materialize in the next one or two years.

The Air Force has proposed the purchase of two Sukhoi SU-30 MKs at a price of $96 million and six Sukhoi SU-27SKs, which cost a total of $212 million.

"The squadron will replace the two squadrons of old, U.S.-made A-4 Skyhawks, which have entered their rundown period," he said.

Chairman of House Commission I Ibrahim Ambong said the lawmakers would stand behind the Air Force in pressing the government to buy more Sukhois to improve the country's defense system.

"Buying the warplanes is the price we have to pay if we want to maintain our sovereignty," he said. -- Antara