Indonesia on major defence spending spree; big purchases of jet fighters from US and France announced

An Israeli F15 fighter jet is pictured near two Greek F16s during an exercise at the Ovda air force base, Israel, on November 11, 2019. - AFP

JAKARTA, Feb 12 (Jakarta POst/ANN): Indonesia made major purchase announcements of fighter jets from United States and French manufacturers this week in the biggest military buying spree in recent years, raising concerns over government spending as the nation rations funds to recover from Covid-19.

The procurement plans spotlight a growing arms race in the Indo-Pacific region, following the surprise announcement last year of a security partnership between the US, Australia and the United Kingdom.