vi-va
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My bet, F-35 is just a bait. No way US can provide F-35 to none allied countries, not only Indonesia, but also many others.It is between F 35 and SU 35 for the replacement of F 5 squadron. The number is between 12-16 planes. New Minister of Defense prefer F35 and he has already had talk with American Minister of Defense. There are only 2 options and Jokowi himself with his advisors will decide.
Acquisition of 32 F16 block 70 itself is for replacement of 32 Hawk 200/100. This acquisition is not as urgent as F 5 squadron replacement since our Hawk which have been delivered in 1998 can still operate until 2030. As Corona virus outbreak effect our economy and urgent acquisition for 2 heavy frigates, 3 submarines, 2 OPV for Navy besides tanker and AWACS planes for Air Force, I predict they are not going to buy this fighter until this administration ends in November 2024.
If Indonesia Korea KFX/IFX program renegotiation is completed with satisfactory result for both sides, I believe Indonesia will buy IFX fighter instead of F 16 after 2024 if KFX program is successful and can start mass production in 2026 as plan.
For SU35 or F35 acquisition for F5 replacement. I predict we will buy F35 for this 2020-2024 period but in order to keep balance with Russian and also due to the fact we have already signed contract for SU35 although not effective yet, S35 contract will not be cancelled but rather postpone for 2024-2039 period. Our Minister of Defense Deputy also said that SU 35 contracts is not cancelled but he said at the mean time it cannot become effective contract due to CATSA problem.
Anyway, we still need heavy fighter like Su 35 for long range attack and also it can perform sea target attack with Brahmost missile. As our future conflict may likely happen in the sea due to our sea border dispute, this fighters are still needed.
Possibility to acquire F35
Talking about the possibility to acquire F 35, I can say it is very possible. Any way, Indonesia has already had access with F35 technology with its participation in KFX/IFX program where Lockheed Martin is involved in the program as well and has given about 35 F35 critical technologies in KFX/IFX program.
Geopolitically, USA also see Indonesia as its important ally and it is proven on how US help Indonesia Central Bank with 60 billion dollar Repo facility deal that can make Indonesia use the money to stabilize Rupiah value if necessary. This deal itself has stabilized Rupiah last week even though we havent used it since Rupiah trading during any economic crisis is more caused by psychological reason then actual supply and demand in real sector.
No they are no TOT for missile yet from China. It has promised to give TOT for C 705 missile during Susilo Yudhoyono administration but it turn out to be an empty promise.
F-35 is the US major fighter/attacker in next 20-30 years, how can US be comfortable to risk the leak of confidential technologies?
I don't want to offend anyone, especially I don't want to offend Indonesian friends here, I wish good relationship between both countries.
But I do see too many Indonesians have optimistic views on the relationship with the West, especially US. I understand that the political structure changes after Suharto, and many intellectuals are fed with US so called democracy doctrine.
I personally don't see a bright future of Indonesia, it's just a personal judgement only because I see Indonesia intellectual are too optimistic and fail to see what US so called democracy brought to Indonesia.
Please forgive me if anyone's feeling got hurt.