"It is part of efforts to build a minimum essential force."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said modernization of weapons is not intended for aggressive purposes or initiating arms race.
He made the statement here on Friday at the commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the country`s defense forces.
He said arms modernization was intended for safeguarding the country`s sovereignty.
"It is part of efforts to build a minimum essential force," he said.
He said "I have often said in various international forums that we have no intention whatsoever to conduct an arms race nor an aggression to another country militarily."
"At any occasion I have always stated that our foreign policy is always led by a will to increase friends and reduce enemies," he added.
President Yudhoyono said "we conduct modernization of weapons solely for safeguarding and defending our sovereignty and territorial integrity."
He said "we have done it as part of our strategic defense plan that specially considers army, navy and air force integration. Apart from that we are also developing our military and defense doctrines."
He said in the years to come complete and modern weapons system equipment would arrive, adding the army would have two battalions of tanks, 155 mm cannons, air defense missiles, attack helicopters while the navy would have destroyers and anti-submarine helicopters.
"The new air force military hard wares meanwhile include full combat trainer CN 295, transport aircraft Hercules, Tucano and F16 fighters," he said.
President Yudhoyono on the occasion in the company of Vice President Boediono and along with foreign ambassadors, cabinet ministers and other high ranking officials also watched flight demonstration of the fighters.
(T.P008*S037/H-YH/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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