"Rheinmetall (tank producer) agreed that the finalization of the contract would be completed in the fourth week of September this year," the deputy minister of defense said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will buy 103 Leopard Main Battle Tanks (MBT), 50 medium Marder 1A3 tanks and 10 other supporting tanks from Germany, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defense on Thursday.

The ministry said the contracts for the purchase of the tanks would be finalized in September 2012, after Deputy Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received German`s Charge d`Affaires` Heeidrun Tempel here on Wednesday.

"Rheinmetall (tank producer) agreed that the finalization of the contract would be completed in the fourth week of September this year," the deputy minister of defense said.

He added that Rheinmetall had prepared for the dispatch of Leopard MBT in accordance with Indonesia`s target.

The ministry had initially hoped to display some Leopard tanks during the anniversary of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) on October 5, 2012.

But several technical and logistical constraints needed to be addressed by Rheinmetall will only allow the tanks to arrive early in November.

Sjafrie also said that he would lead a high-level commission to meet the CEO of Rheinmetall to inspect the preparations for the business deal.

Heeidrun Tempel has promised to help Indonesia with regard to Government-to-Government matters.

The embassy also promised information about the Indonesian high level commission`s plan to visit Germany. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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