Russia expands arms sales to Indonesia at air show

MOSCOW, Aug 21 (Reuters) Russian planemaker Sukhoi announced a deal to supply six new fighter jets worth 300 million dollar to Indonesia, expanding its business with the world's largest Muslim country, state-run news agency RIA reported today.

Indonesia, traditionally a major purchaser of arms, will sign a memo of understanding to buy three Su-30 and three Su-27 planes, in addition to four Russian fighter jets already delivered.

The announcement was the first to be made public at Russia's biannual MAKS air show outside Moscow, which the Kremlin has been showcasing as further evidence of the country's resurgence as an industrial and military power.

This year's show is the biggest yet, with around 800 participants and high-level attendance from Western planemakers such as Boeing and Airbus.

''We are going to continue widening of the show as a platform for signing contracts for developing international co-operation in aviation and space,'' President Vladimir Putin said at the opening of the air show.

Putin also said Russia had to ''maintain its leading position as a manufacturer of combat military aircraft''.

Other Asian countries including India and Malaysia are already Sukhoi customers while the Thai military has said it is examining the Su-30 as a replacement for its ageing fleet.

REUTERS SV PM1336