Indonesia Will Have 8 Advanced Military Helicopter Units MV-22 Osprey

JAKARTA - Indonesia will add a number of main tools for Indonesia's new weaponry system (alutsista). One of them is the MV-22 Block C Osprey military transport aircraft purchased from the United States (US).

Based on an official statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), quoted by VOI, the US State Department has approved the sale of a number of assets for the main weapon system equipment (alutsista) to the Indonesian government. Total Indonesian military spending is estimated at US $ 2 billion or around Rp.28.76 trillion.

"This proposed sale supports US foreign policy and national security by enhancing the defense capabilities of partner countries to maintain Asia-Pacific stability," said a written statement from DSCA, Wednesday, July 8.

The sale of this aircraft is part of the US large-scale arms sales program. Not only buying eight Osprey helicopters, the Indonesian government has also proposed other military spending packages, including spare parts and an operational training program.

DSCA stated that the military spending would help improve Indonesia's capacity in disaster management and support military operations. It is also said that the proposed sale of this equipment will not change the military balance in the region.

"There will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale," wrote the DSCA.

Quoting The Drive, if this purchase plan goes smoothly, Indonesia will become the second country outside the US to operate the MV-22 Osprey, after Japan. Moreover, the MV-22 Osprey helicopter specifications are considered very suitable for natural conditions in Indonesia.

This Bell helicopter is specially designed for long-range infiltration, exfiltration and military logistics. This aircraft is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, with a cruising range of 500 nautical miles or 926 kilometers (km).

Apart from Indonesia, the US also sells defense equipment to four other countries, namely France, Israel, Lithuania and Argentina. Total sales of these weapons are valued at around 75 billion US dollars.