Gundala
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The Visa for our Menhan didnt come out of nowhere, it was a process of lobby and alligning point of view both domestically and internationally. What US needs from us is our cooperation whether in the form of access to certain port/air field, interoperability in systems to make a mission easier and safer to conduct, extra pair of eyes and so on. So the thing such as Poseidon/EWA might be in play here, they would rather us having them compare to F15EX. F-35 is also comes in, but unless we can flip the magic wand on negotiation table I dont think our bilateral relations points is enough to get there yet.
Malaysia get their free MPA upgrade from US, that show us how important it is for US to have constant eyes in and around SCS. So they might encourage us to get Poseidon and we can use this as bargaining chip to get good price/package while pursuing our intention for the F-35. We can also ask US support in certain area of diplomacy/influence/policy including but not limited to our involvement in KFX and many things.
But how its going to be in-line with our defence posture planning? Only Menhan knows this, the way I see it is Pak Prabowo is trying to piece up our def posture puzzle by "talking/diplomacy" with numerous countries including Europe, China, India, etc. Only one last piece of puzzle left and its the US, so by going to US he can go and meet with political figures to give him the path to complete the last puzzle. So dont expect much of military assets purchase news before this meeting is conclude.
What are the military assets we might be getting from US? I think no one knows just yet, the table has been set, appetizers & dessert menu have been presented from various sources. The only thing that missing is the "main course". And in dining, main course usually dictate the type of appetizer and deserts we are going to have
