Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) plans to procure 11 anti-submarine helicopters in 2014 as its two anti-submarine helicopters have been grounded, Vice Admiral Marsetio said.
The deputy navy chief staff said at a press conference with defense minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro here on Wednesday that "actually we have owned such aircraft since 1960 but the planes were grounded in 1970." Marsetio said the new helicopters would meet the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) target and for state defense.
He said the navy is still discussing with the ministry of defense with regard to whether it would buy Seasprite or Agusta helicopters.
Besides anti-submarine helicopters the navy also plans to add three submarines to its fleet and has made the purchase contract for them with South Korea.
"We have had two submarines and we will buy three more. The contract for them has been made with South Korea and the ships are expected to be delivered in 2015," he said.
Marsetio said Singapore and Malaysia each has five submarines and therefore Indonesia needs to add three more submarines.(DWA)
RI To Produce 11 Anti-Submarine Helicopters
Rabu, 15 Agustus 2012 17:56 WIB
