Indonesia and Russia plan $1 bln defense agreement

Indonesia will buy Russian helicopters, tanks, submarines and jet fighters worth a total $1 billion, the Jakarta Post reported Tuesday.

The daily quoted Defense Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Edy Butar Butar as saying the deal is payable within 15 years.

The report said Russia will supply the Indonesian military with 17 passenger and five attack helicopters, and two submarines.

Indonesia will also buy six Shukoi jet fighters, worth $335 million, according to the report, which didn't mention how many tanks Indonesia will buy from Russia.

The deal will be signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's one-day visit to Indonesia Thursday.