"We will conduct the workshop at the Marine Corps headquarters in Surabaya."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia signed a contract for the purchase of 37 infantry fighting vehicles/tanks BMP-3F Series 2 from Russia worth US$114 million on Friday.
Signing for Indonesia was Major General Ediwan Prabowo, head of defense means office of the ministry of defense while Russia was represented by representative of JSC Rosoboronexport in Indonesia Vadim Veraksin.
The purchase is based on a state credit scheme from the Russian government worth US$114 million, Ediwan said.
"The price is US$114 million including ammunition, spare parts and shipment cost," he said.
He said JSC Rosoboronexport has been committed to help with the maintenance.
He said mechanics from the Marine Corps would be given training first before they would carry out the maintenance by themselves.
Ediwan said the procurement was also made using the 2011 budget. "This procurement is the continuation of the procurement of 17 units in 2008," he said.
"We are very proud of the contract. The second purchase reflects the Indonesian Navy`s satisfaction with the purchase deal," Vadim Veraksin said.
Vadim said Russia would also conduct transfer of technology as part of the purchase deal and workshop on the tanks` maintenance.
"We will conduct the workshop at the Marine Corps headquarters in Surabaya," he said.
The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) has used BMP-3F tanks since 2010 totalling 17 units, operated by the Marine Corps.
In terms of technology the armored vehicles are perfect meeting the requirements demanded in modern war.
The tanks are also capable of operating in the sea for seven hours. The vehicles are equipped with 100 mm canons which could fire shells. These canons are put under medium ballistic category with a shooting speed of 250 m/second.
BMP-3Fs are also used by Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Cyprus, Kuwait, Uni Arab Emirate and South Korea.
(Uu.H-YH/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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