Prabowo Want To Buy F-35 Fighter Jet, Military Observer: Where Do You Want To Use It?

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (Photo: Instagram @prabowo)

JAKARTA - Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is rumored to be buying the 5th generation fighter jet, the F-35. The news was revealed when he visited the United States to meet with United States Defense Secretary Mark Esper in October 2020 from Military observer Connie Rahakundini Bakrie,

Connie Rahakundini Bakrie said that Indonesia does not have to have this weapon. Because there is no clarity or roadmaps for what the 5th generation fighter jet will be used for.

"Our Defense Minister (Prabowo Subianto) suddenly wanted to buy the F-35. Come on, we are not an alliance of the United States, what are we doing to buy it. F-35. Where are you going? Who do we want to come to? never mind taking care of the F-35, managing their staff can drown (KRI Nanggala-402) without being clear", he said in a virtual discussion, Sunday, April 25.

Similarly, Member of Commission I Farhan assessed that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) needs to add to the duties of Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi to accompany Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto in establishing defense industry diplomacy. As the Japanese government has done.

"To ensure that there is a scene behind the purchase or retrofit of defense equipment. Now that is what must be considered", said Farhan.

Farhan said that it must be admitted that there are scenarios or games from the world arms industry related to the main equipment issue. Indonesia's defense system. In fact, he said, many countries are competing to make bids to Indonesia.

"They see how much Indonesia needs to modernize the defense industry. The offers are extraordinary (many)", he said.

For example, Farhan claimed to have received a report from a 3-star general in Indonesia. TNI. To Farhan, he said he received a special invitation to witness the F-35 maneuver directly in the United States.

"He was also amazed. Although he was invited, but he did not have the authority to sign the purchase. But they already know there are several figures who indeed it can give voice and influence to decision-makers", he said.

For your information, Prabowo Subianto's wish will be difficult to materialize. The reason is that there are a number of requirements that must be fulfilled by Indonesia to obtain the F-35.

Minister of Trade Muhammad Lutfi, who at that time served as Indonesian Ambassador to the US said that Indonesia must first have the 4th and 4.5 generation aircraft.

To reach the F-35, we must have Block 72 F-16 aircraft. This is the latest F-16 aircraft before we can get the F-35 fighters", Lutfi said, Monday, November 2, 2020.

Lutfi said the US would provide the latest offers for Indonesia. This is to get around the long waiting time to get a fighter plane. "They will give their best without reservation", he said.

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin, an aircraft and military equipment manufacturer from the United States, revealed the reasons behind the Block 72 F-16 aircraft offer for Indonesia. According to Lockheed, the F-16 Blok 72 is a suitable fighter for Indonesia because it is the cheapest in its acquisition cost and has the latest technology from the 4.5 generation aircraft.