A London-based defense publication has reported that Indonesian military officials are currently in talks with their Chinese counterparts for the purchase of the Chinese maritime radar system SLR-66.

The Chinese radar system will be used by Indonesia for monitoring the activities of foreign vessels in the Strait of Malacca, Torres Strait, and Celebes Sea, sources said.

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Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro was quoted as saying that his country is currently assessing the capabilities of the SLR-66 radar and how this can be best utilized by the Indonesian Navy.

Yusgiantoro also wanted to know if the Chinese maritime radar system is compatible with the existing assets of the Indonesian navy.

A Chinese publication also reported that Indonesia is in discussion with the China National Electrics Import & Export Company about the purchase of the said radar system.

A source at the China National Electrics Import & Export Co said the company is not involved in the development of the said radar system but is workign with state-owned firms in exporting the system to clients around the world.

Chinese sources did not give further details about the radar system because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Yusgiantoro was in Beijing for a talk with China's defense minister Chang Wanquan. During the meeting, the Indonesian defense minister said his country is ready to work with China in more fields that will strengthen the two countries' defense ties.

Earlier, the presidents of China and Indonesia have agreed to further boost bilateral cooperation to a more comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chang hailed the constant development of the bilateral cooperation in defense and military-to-military relationship.

In Indonesia, the government is preparing to establish an F16 fighter jets squadron in Riau Islands and an Apache helicopter squadron near the South China Sea to increase its military defenses in the South China Sea.

TagsIndonesia defense, SLR-66, Chinese maritime radar system