Sweden’s Saab recently
unveiled a new bid to gain access to Indonesia’s fighter market.
Can it beat the Russian favorite?
Indonesia
is currently in the process of updating a part of its eclectic mix of military
aircraft. The three platforms which represent Jakarta’s most formidable
airborne capability are the U.S. General Dynamics (GD) F-16, Russian Sukhoi-27,
and Sukhoi-30MK. The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) reflects the country’s
recent history international relations, operating a mixed bag of Russian, U.S.,
Brazilian, and European aircraft.
Since its
independence in 1945, the country has fielded aircraft from both sides of the
Iron Curtain, often reflecting its political alignment. In 1986s, Indonesia purchased a batch of F-16s,
intended to supplement its fleet of F-5E Tigers. However, after the U.S.
imposed sanctions following Jakarta’s involvement in the 1999 East Timor
independence, these quickly dilapidated due to a lack of spare parts. As a result, the TNI-AU acquired
Russian jets. Together with the F-16s, which were modernized after
Washington lifted sanctions in 2005, these aircraft still form the mainstay of
Indonesia’s aerial combat fleet.
As
previously reported by the Diplomat, Indonesia has been looking to
beef up its aerial combat capabilities. For its long term needs, Indonesia has signed up to
South Korea’s KF-X program, an ambitious project aimed at providing Seoul and
Jakarta with a “4,5 generation fighter.” This fighter is supposed to fill
a role between the F-16 currently fielded by both states, and the F-35, which
has been deemed a too expensive option. Indonesia currently has a 20
percent stake in the project, and is expected to deploy 80 KF-Xs by 2030.
(South Korea owns the remaining 80 percent and is expected to field 120.)
An
important medium-term solution is to replace the six aging F-5s with a number
of fourth-generation fighters by the end of the decade. Defense Minister Purnomo
Yusgiantoro previously stated ”We are in the process of evaluating
which jet fighter will best suit our requirements, whether the aircraft is from
Russia, USA or other countries.” This year, Indonesia’s General Moeldoko said
that “the ministry is looking at
buying 16 aircraft, but the type and number of aircraft depends on Indonesia’s
financial position.” Two months ago, Jakarta announced that it will
purchase a squadron of 16 Sukhoi-35s (Flanker E,) an upgraded
version of the Su-27 currently in the TNI-AU’s service.
However,
other aircraft companies are still hoping to penetrate the Indonesian market.
Other contenders include GD’s upgraded Vipers (Block 52+
“V” version,) the Eurofighter Typhoon
and Swedish Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen.
Under Indonesian law
new defense acquisitions must include a minimum 30 percent direct offset, while
the selection criteria have been weighted 30 percent for aircraft/system
performance, 30 percent acquisition/life-cycle costs, and 40 percent for
industrial cooperation.
The
Swedes seems to have stepped up its competition. According to Jane’s,
Saab recently announced that it is not only seeking to sell Indonesia its
Gripens, but is sweetening the deal with a “Swedish Air Power Package.” Saab
said that this package consists of the “latest version” of its Gripen fighter
aircraft; the company’s Erieye Airborne Early Warning & Control System
(AWACS;) ground-based command and control; tactical datalinks; industrial
co-operation, including transfers of technology and local production; and
extensive job creation, which Saab said would reach “thousands of jobs.”
This
package could be a worthwhile investment. The Gripen model on the table is
probably the “E/F” model, also known as the Gripen NG (New Generation.) According to Saab,
the Gripen NG is “Revolutionary because it combines advanced technology and
operational effectiveness in an affordable package that no other fighter
aircraft can even hope to match.” As both cost and industrial cooperation are
key criteria for Jakarta, the Gripen has a fighting chance against the other
contenders.
Perhaps
the biggest disadvantage Saab faces is the Gripen’s lack of operations
experience. The F-16 has a proven track record, having participated in combat
operations since the 1980s. Although the Su-35 hasn’t yet seen action, its
predecessor, the Su-27, has seen action since the 1990s (although mostly not in
Russian service.) The Gripen has only seen service during Operation “Unified
Protector,” when Swedish planes conducted
air-to-ground sorties against Muhammar Gaddafi’s forces.
However,
two other points help Saab’s case. Firstly, the Erieye AWACS will be a
“force multiplier” for long-range TNI-AU patrols. Considering
Indonesia’s vast territory, this could definitely be an advantage. Secondly,
several other Southeast Asian states have expressed interest in Saab’s kit. In 2011, Thailand officially
made operational its first Gripens. Thailand currently fields 12
Swedish planes, and has reportedly been seeking to
acquire six more. The Philippines and Malaysia
have also expressed an interest in the aircraft.
The Su-35
might have won a battle, but the war for Indonesia’s new fighter is far from
over. By Benjamin David Baker
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