The Indonesian government has requested weapons and equipment from Russia as part of its efforts to modernize its defense capabilities.
Vladimir Bulavin, head of the Russian Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, confirmed that an official request has been received from Jakarta for military procurement covering the 2025-2030 period.
While he did not specify the exact items listed in the request, Bulavin stated that the application is “under review” and that Moscow will prepare proposals accordingly.
“We received an application from our colleagues in Indonesia for 2025-2030. In the near future, proposals from the Russian side in accordance with this application will be prepared,” he said.
Currently, Indonesia and Russia are collaborating on seven contracts under “military-technical” cooperation.
Moscow also supports Indonesia through military training. “Over the entire period of cooperation in the military sphere, we have trained more than 6,000 specialists,” Bulavin explained.
‘Less Politically Sensitive Items’
Indonesian security analyst Khairul Fahmi told Radio Free Asia that Jakarta may opt for “less politically sensitive items” to avoid exacerbating geopolitical tensions.
These could include armored vehicles, utility helicopters, simulators, and short-range defense systems.
Acquiring high-profile Russian items like fighter jets and missile systems could complicate Indonesia’s relations with the US, which has criticized Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Fahmi added that choosing less sensitive weaponry would allow Indonesia to diversify its sources while maintaining its non-aligned status.
Previous Contracts
Indonesia’s military relationship with Russia dates back to 1958 when the country received 100 GAZ-69 military cross-country vehicles.
From 1992 to 2018, Russian weapons deliveries to Indonesia reportedly totaled $2.5 billion.
Among the items procured were BTR-80A armored personnel carriers, BMP-3F infantry fighting vehicles, Kalashnikov assault rifles, and Sukhoi fighter jets.