2024-02-14 18:38:16
Indonesia has abandoned plans to purchase 12 Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from Qatar for $790 million due to budget constraints and the authorities’ intention to modernize existing aircraft. This was announced by a representative of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Day.Az reports with reference to TASS.
“There will be no purchases of Mirage fighters,” Reuters quoted him as saying. “Such plans have been canceled <...>which means the contract is not valid.”
As previously reported, Jakarta entered into a contract in January 2023 to buy used French-made fighter jets from Qatar in an attempt to fill a gap in its air defense system. The document also included the supply of 14 engines, three years of maintenance assistance, ground support equipment and crew training. The fighters were to be delivered within two years from the date of signing the contract.
However, this “controversial deal,” as the agency notes, caused protests from Indonesian lawmakers who opposed the acquisition of old aircraft.
In January, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense confirmed the purchase of 18 more Rafale fighters from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation, as a result of which Jakarta will receive a total of 42 such aircraft. Previous agreements for the purchase of 6 and 18 Rafale fighter jets came into force in September 2022 and August 2023, respectively. The agreement includes, among other things, crew training, logistical support for several Indonesian air bases and the creation of a training center for pilots with simulators.