Russia Formally Hands Over 3 Multi-Role Fighters to Indonesia

(Photo: Detik.com)

February 2, 2009, Makassar -- Russia and Indonesia finalized on Monday the handover of three Russian-made Su-30MK2 Flanker multi-role fighters.

The official ceremony took place after the aircraft were delivered to Indonesia on December 26 and January 17, assembled and underwent test flights. Under the $300 million contract, signed in 2007, Russia is also due to supply three Su-27SKM fighters to Jakarta in 2009-2010.

Two Su-27SK and two Su-30MK planes are already in service with the Indonesian Air Force.

"We hope for further contacts in the defense sphere with Russia," a senior Indonesian Defense Ministry official said at the ceremony.

The aircraft will join Indonesia's 11th Squadron and will be based at the Sultan Hasanuddin airbase on Sulawesi. (RIA Novosti)