The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU)’s equipment purchase plan until 2024 does not include the Russian Su-35 for which a contract had been signed in 2018.
TNI AU revealed that it is planning to buy sophisticated 4.5 generation fighter jets, including French Dassault Rafale and/or used U.S.-made F-15s, by 2024, as part of a strategic plan to boost Indonesia’s air defense capability.
Lack of mention of the Su-35 is seen as a sign of Jakarta abandoning the deal with the Russians mostly of fear of attracting American sanctions. The U.S. has offered to sell it used but upgraded F-15s when Jakarta went shopping for first generation Eurofighter jets from Austria.
Another reason for maintaining a distance from the Su-35s could be a looming confrontation with China in the South China Sea. Indonesia sees value in having fighter jets interoperable with the U.S. and its western allies such as France and Australia to counter the Chinese dragon.