Indonesia to equip navy with Chinese-made missiles - People's Daily Online December 22, 2009
Indonesia is going to equip its own navy's warships with missiles made in China so as to upgrade combat capabilities, Agus Suhartono, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral said Monday.
"We will continue to procure C-802 missiles from China after we test the weapon with good results, he said adding that the Indonesian Navy was also negotiating with China to obtain C-705 missiles that were more slender in shape.
"Both types of missile will be added to the armament of the navys fast patrol boats and Van Speijk warships," Agus said.
"We are still unable to make missiles domestically. But fortunately, state shipbuilding firm PT PAL already has the technology to integrate weapon systems imported from abroad with those already in place on our warships," he said.
Indonesian navy will continue making it a priority to procure weaponry systems, despite the limited military budget.
"Our main priority now is security in sea border areas and the outer islands of Indonesia," Agus said. "Crimes at Sea are not the only problems we have in the western waters. In these areas we also have border disputes with India, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia."
By People's Daily Online