"Given the history of the Indonesian military [the Apaches] are more likely to be used for internal repression than for external defence." -- John Miller
U.S. Secretary of Defence Chuck Hagel announced Monday that Washington is going forward with a controversial sale of eight attack helicopters to the Indonesian government, despite concerns that the gunships will be used for internal repression.
The deal, worth some 500 million dollars, would be the largest-ever military sale between the two countries. In addition to the eight Apache AH-64E helicopters – the latest of this type of aircraft, built by U.S.-based Boeing – the agreement would include pilot training and radar technologies.
“Providing Indonesia these world-class helicopters is an example of our commitment to help build Indonesia’s military capability,” Hagel said in Jakarta, where he is on an eight-day trip to Southeast Asia.
“Helping ensure the region’s security and prosperity is a goal the United States strongly shares. The strong and enduring security partnership that has been built between the United States and Indonesia is a relationship the United States greatly values.”
A U.S. defence official, speaking anonymously, told reporters separately that the Apache gunships would strengthen the Indonesian government’s anti-piracy operations and broader “maritime awareness”.
LOL...............
Maybe they could / will be used to stop The Boats ?? :(
