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