Indonesia had announced the intention to procure 11 Sukhoi Su-35 'FLANKER E' multi-role fighter aircraft from Russia for USD1.14 billion in 2017. The deal could be sealed for the deliveries of aircraft to start within this year, according to news agency TASS who quoted the Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.
According to Jane's, the contract execution had been delayed, partly by Indonesia's just concluded presidential election and negotiations within the Indonesian government about what commodities will be exported to Moscow as part of the payment.
The deal had to comply with Indonesia's Defence Industry Law which specifies the conditions for defence procurement to include offset benefits. Half of the contract's value will be financed through counter-trade, with Russia expected to take in a list of commodities and goods such as palm oil, rubber, coffee, cocoa, copra, paper, spices, tea, textiles and footwear, processed fish, furniture and machinery.
The Su-35 Flanker-E is the latest variant of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker-series of heavyweight twin-engine fighter aircraft. It is equipped with two 117S powerful turbofan engines with thrust-vectoring capability. The advance Irbis-E passive electronically-scanned array radar can detect targets up to 400 km away.
Indonesia already operates 5 Su-27SKM, 21 Su-30MKK and 9 Su-30MK2 fighters.
TASS
Janes