Is Indonesia in Talks to Buy Russian Tanks?

VIVAnews - Russia is set to sell up to 60 infantry fighting vehicles to Indonesia in a deal worth more than US$100 million, the Izvestia newspaper stated as quoted by Ria Novosti. 

The deal will be finalized on February 10, the source said, adding that 20 BMP-3 vehicles will be delivered before the end of the year.

The state-run weapons exporter Rosoboronexport declined to comment on the matter. The Kurganmashzavod arms plant said it would produce modified vehicles for Indonesia.

"It's still in the planning stages," said spokesperson of Defense Ministry, First Admiral Iskandar Sitompul, said. 

In his opinion, the plan to purchase the Russian tanks has been included in Indonesian Military's strategic design in efforts to improve the country's weaponry system. 

Earlier, the Indonesian government had mulled over opportunity to purchased 100 Leopard tanks from the Netherlands.