Indonesia Awaits "Accommodating" Conditions to Resume Su-35 Fighter Jet Deal with Russia

Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Jose Tavares has clarified that Indonesia has not terminated its contract to purchase Su-35 fighter jets from Russia but has merely put the deal on hold.

Speaking to TASS, Ambassador Tavares expressed that Indonesia is waiting for a more favorable environment to resume the implementation of the agreement.

"Indeed, at some point Russia and Indonesia signed this treaty. Indonesia has never terminated it, but it was put on hold to avoid certain potential inconveniences," Ambassador Tavares stated, shedding light on Indonesia's stance regarding the Su-35 contract.

The Indonesian envoy emphasized that Indonesia will revisit the question of the Su-35 deal once conditions become "more accommodating" for proceeding with the procurement.

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Indonesia's intention to acquire the Su-35 jets came into question after reports emerged in December 2021 suggesting that the government had abandoned plans due to financial constraints. CNN Indonesia had reported at the time that the Indonesian authorities scrapped plans to purchase 11 Su-35 multirole fighters, citing budgetary limitations.

The initial $1.1 billion contract for the delivery of the Su-35 jets was publicized in early 2018. Former Indonesian Ambassador to Russia Mohamad Wahid Supriyadi had previously attributed delays in implementing the contract to the intricate trade structure involving governmental bodies and private enterprises.

Furthermore, in March 2020, Bloomberg had reported that Indonesia decided against proceeding with the Su-35 deal due to financial strains induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, concerns were raised over potential repercussions from the United States, which had hinted at imposing sanctions on Indonesia if the Su-35 contract with Russia moved forward.

Indonesia has maintained a notable reliance on Russian-made weaponry, with an estimated 30% of the country's armed forces equipment sourced from Russia.