ISLAMABAD: In a significant diplomatic development underscoring theevolving strategic landscape in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia, Indonesiahas formally conveyed its keen interest in broadening defence cooperationwith Pakistan across diverse domains. The announcement follows ahigh-profile meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Lieutenant General(retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chiefof Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters inRawalpindi. As global security challenges intensify, this engagement raisesintriguing prospects for enhanced bilateral ties that could reshape defencepartnerships in the region. Observers are closely watching whether thesediscussions will translate into concrete agreements soon.
The meeting, confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations, centred onmutual interests, the rapidly changing regional and global securityenvironment, and potential pathways to strengthen defence collaboration.Both sides emphasised the value of institutional linkages, joint trainingprogrammes, and industrial cooperation in the defence sector. Suchinteractions highlight a growing convergence of strategic perspectivesbetween the two Muslim-majority nations, which share common concerns overmaritime security, counter-terrorism, and technological self-reliance inmilitary capabilities.
Indonesia’s outreach comes at a time when Jakarta is actively modernisingits armed forces to replace ageing equipment amid rising tensions in theSouth China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific dynamics. The country has pursueddiversified procurement strategies, securing deals for Rafale jets fromFrance and KAAN fighters from Turkey in recent years. Interest in Pakistanisystems, particularly the co-developed JF-17 Thunder multi-role combataircraft, reflects confidence in cost-effective, battle-tested platformsthat offer advanced avionics and combat versatility suitable forIndonesia’s archipelagic defence needs.
Reports indicate that discussions have advanced to potential salesinvolving JF-17 Thunder jets, with estimates suggesting a package close to40 aircraft. Additional elements reportedly under consideration include airdefence systems, Shahpar drones for surveillance and strike roles, andcomprehensive training packages for Indonesian air force personnel atvarious levels. These negotiations position Pakistan as an emergingexporter of sophisticated military hardware, building on its defenceindustry’s growing reputation following operational successes and exportsto other nations.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication tocultivating a robust and sustainable defence relationship with Indonesia,rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and aligned strategic objectives.The Indonesian minister, in turn, commended the professionalism ofPakistan’s armed forces and their contributions to combating terrorism,signalling high regard for Pakistan’s military expertise. This mutualappreciation forms a strong foundation for future collaboration,potentially extending beyond equipment sales to joint research, production,and exercises.
The timing of the visit aligns with broader momentum in Pakistan-Indonesiarelations, including recent high-level engagements such as PresidentPrabowo Subianto’s visit to Pakistan last month. Those talks covered trade,health, agriculture, information technology, and coordination on globalissues like Palestine. Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar,complementing economic and diplomatic initiatives to foster comprehensivebilateral ties between the two countries.
Experts note that enhanced defence links could benefit both nationsstrategically. For Pakistan, expanding export markets diversifies revenuestreams for its defence industry and strengthens geopolitical influence.Indonesia gains access to reliable, competitively priced systems amidefforts to bolster deterrence capabilities without over-reliance on Westernsuppliers. Such partnerships also promote technology transfer and capacitybuilding, aligning with both countries’ goals of indigenous defencedevelopment.
Read Top Stories
As regional security dynamics evolve, with implications for stability inSouth Asia and Southeast Asia, the Pakistan-Indonesia defence dialogueassumes greater importance. The discussions at GHQ reflect proactivediplomacy aimed at addressing shared challenges through cooperation ratherthan confrontation. Whether these talks culminate in formal agreements inthe near term remains a focal point for analysts tracking South-Southmilitary collaborations.
The commitment expressed during the meeting suggests a long-term vision forpartnership that transcends immediate transactions. By prioritisingtraining collaboration and industrial cooperation, both sides aim to buildenduring institutional mechanisms that sustain momentum. This approachcould serve as a model for other developing nations seeking to enhancesecurity through mutual support.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1966581/indonesia-expresses-desire-to-expand-defence-ties-with-pakistan
Tags: Pakistan, Indonesia, JF-17 Thunder, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Syed AsimMunir
ogimageimage-name
