Indonesia to buy frigates from Britain

Jakarta, Jan 16 (IANS) In a bid to modernise its naval fleet, Indonesia will procure three frigates from Britain, the Indonesian defence minister said Wednesday.

Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro conveyed Indonesia's intention to purchase the ships during his meeting with his British counterpart Philip Hammond, Xinhua reported.
"The agreement on the purchase of those ships was conducted on transfer-of-technology basis so as to enable Indonesia in producing that kind of ships in the future," Purnomo said.

An Indonesian team would be sent to Britain to examine the ship's specifications.
Defence Deputy Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the meeting also discussed the issue of joint military exercises.

He said the frigates would not take a significant portion of the 81 trillion rupiah ($8.4 billion) from the budget allotted to finance procurement of military equipment this year.

Indonesia has already sealed contracts with the British defence industry on supply of parts for Hawk jets and Scorpion battle tanks.

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