VOA —
Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto on Monday (21/8) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which is a commitment to purchase 24 new F-15EX fighter aircraft from the United States (US). The F-15EX fighter jet is the latest generation 4.5 fighter jet.
A written statement from the Ministry of Defense received by VOA a few hours ago stated that the signing of the purchase commitment took place at Boeing’s headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.
Prabowo confirmed the signing of the commitment via his Instagram account.
“The signing of the MOU committed to purchase 24 units of F-15EX fighter aircraft,” said Prabowo.
Previously, in November 2022, Prabowo said the planned purchase of the F-15 fighter jets was awaiting final approval from the government. When US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited the Ministry of Defense office in Jakarta, the two ministers had a face-to-face meeting. Prabowo at that time said that Boeing had agreed to the financial offer made and believed it was affordable. He also said that the negotiations were going very well.
The US Department of State has approved the potential sale of F-15 fighters and related equipment by February 2022.
“We certainly support Defense Minister Prabowo’s efforts to continue to modernize their defense systems and capabilities, and we want to continue to assist in any way we can,” Austin said, adding that “the acquisition of the F-15 certainly improves interoperability.”
The signing of the commitment to purchase 24 new F-15EX fighter aircraft from America was carried out at Boeing’s headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo: Courtesy/Ministry of Defense)
Advantages of F-15EX
The F-15EX fighter aircraft made by Boeing is the latest series of the F-15 aircraft family which has been in operation for a long time. This aircraft has several advantages, including being able to carry payloads of up to 13,380 kilograms; which means it can carry more weapons than previous generations of fighters.
The F-15EX aircraft also has high engine performance, and the aircraft structure is designed to provide service for up to 20,000 flight hours.
Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto signed a memorandum of understanding or MOU which is a commitment to purchase 24 new F-15EX fighter aircraft from America. (Photo: Courtesy/Ministry of Defense)
The F-15EX aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics systems, radar systems and other avionics devices that enable the aircraft to detect and track targets with high accuracy.
In terms of weapons integration, the F-15EX fighter can be equipped with various types of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and other special weapons.
This F-15EX fighter can be operated in various missions, ranging from air superiority, ground attacks, to maritime operations; as well as communicate in a vast network of battles.
These advantages have made the F-15EX known as one of the most advanced and versatile combat aircraft in the world today. (em/rs)
