Air Force Wants to Replace F-5 Tigers with Sukhoi SU-35s

Jakarta (Antara) -- The Indonesian Air Force (TNIAU) wants more sophisticated fighter jets, such as Russia\'s Sukhoi SU-35s, to replace its F-5 Tigers, Chief of the Air Force Vice Marshall Agus Supriatna has said. He added that the Russian-made Sukhoi SU-35 meets the requirements of TNIUA\'s weaponry system, Supriatna said after opening a leadership meeting of the air force here on Wednesday. He expressed hope that the government will fulfill the desire of the air force and purchase Sukhoi SU-35s to reinforce its weaponry system to ensure security in the Indonesian airspace. \"We hope the government fulfills our wish to purchase Sukhoi SU-35s. All can place orders, but we, as the operators, want jets over generation 4 to be ordered,\" the air force chief remarked. One of the reasons the TNIAU wants to purchase these jets is that they will be much easier for the air force to maintain. \"We hope our technicians do not face any problems with the Sukhoi planes. It is important that we purchase jets from the newer generations,\" Supriatna noted. (*)