Russia receives official request from Indonesia for arms and military supplies

Russia has received an official request from Indonesia for the supply of arms and military equipment for the period of 2025-2030, as announced by Vladimir Bulavin, the head of the Defence and Security Committee of the Russian Federation Council.

Bulavin revealed that the two nations are currently in the process of finalizing seven contracts, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

"In the near future, the Russian side will prepare proposals in accordance with the application," he added.

In addition to the arms supply agreements, personnel training for the Indonesian Armed Forces is also underway. Russia has already trained several dozen Indonesian pilots using the Su-27 simulator. Overall, the Russian military has assisted in the training of over six thousand Indonesian specialists.

Bulavin also highlighted the recent joint naval exercises between Russia and Indonesia, dubbed Orruda-2024. He emphasized that there is a mutual interest and readiness to continue fostering such cooperation.

In November, Russian and Indonesian warships held their first-ever joint exercises in the Java Sea, according to a report from the Pacific Fleet’s press service. The exercises included manoeuvres, communications drills, and operations focused on the inspection and release of a vessel "seized by terrorists." One of the key training scenarios involved countering uncrewed boats, with deck helicopters being deployed to execute joint tasks.

On the Russian side, the corvettes Gromky and Sharp, among others, participated in the exercise, while Indonesia’s contribution included the frigate I Gusti Ngurah Rai and the corvette Franz Kaisiepo.

The exercise was the first-ever naval drill between the two countries, taking place from November 4-8 in East Java. The Indonesian Navy emphasized that the country’s foreign policy is characterized by a "free and active" stance, which allows it to collaborate with various nations in military activities.

As noted by Alexei Kupriyanov, the head of the Indo-Pacific Center at IMEMO RAN, Indonesia holds a critical geopolitical position, controlling important straits that connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In the event of a conflict between the United States and China, Indonesia could find itself at the centre of competing powers vying for control of the Malay Barrier Straits. Therefore, Indonesia seeks to remain neutral, participating in such conflicts only on its own terms. In exchange for military supplies, Russia is expected to receive microchips from Indonesia.

By Tamilla Hasanova