U.S. tanks to help secure Malacca Strait

U.S. tanks to help secure Malacca Strait

JAKARTA: The U.S. navy has promised to give several of its 40- year-old landing ship tanks (LST) to Indonesia to support the routine patrols in the Strait of Malacca.

Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono said here Tuesday the U.S. government made the offer as it was renewing its military equipment, especially that owned by its Navy.

"That's why some of their old LST, which still function well, will be given to Indonesia," he said, after officiating at the 5th Asia-Pacific Conference of Security Agency.

However, Juwono could not say when the military equipment assistance would arrive in Indonesia.

"What is certain is that all the equipment will be very helpful in supporting the Indonesian Navy to maintain the security of the Malacca Strait," he said. --Antara