TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Defense (Ministry) resumed talks on purchasing a Sukhoi flight simulator for the Indonesian Air Force. Head of the Defense Planning Department at the Ministry Admiral Rachmad Lubis, mentioned that the Ministry is set to provide budget worth more than US$45 million for one flight simulator.
On the other hand, Technology and Development Director at the state-owned aerospace company Dirgantara Indonesia Andi Alisjahbana, suggested the government not to make hasty decisions to purchase the simulator. Andi futher added that countries that employ Sukhoi fighter jets usually design their own simulator for confiedntiality reasons.
Despite the pros and cons, the Ministry argued that the price for the simulator is not over budget.
"Simulator is a complicated device, costing a lot like the plane itself," said Rachmad.
INDRA WIJAYA