Indonesia to buy more Sukhoi, F16 jet fighters: president

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Monday that the government would increase the number of Sukhoi jet fighters to one squadron (16 units) and F16 jet fighter to two squadrons in next five years as an effort to boost security in the vast archipelago country.

Currently Indonesia has ten Russia-made Sukhoi planes and one squadron F16 (fighting falcon) planes, according to military.

"We will build significantly our weaponry system by the next five years. We will increase the number of Sukhoi planes to one squadron and F16 planes to two squadrons," he told the State Palace here.

Indonesia has over 17,500 islands, which are homed by over 238 millions people.

Terrorism, insurgency, and drug and human trafficking, are among the challenges faced by the country.

Source: Xinhua