Russia finds ready friends in a Southeast Asia battling terrorism
Matthew Abbey says Asean countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines are forging ever closer defence and trade links with Moscow, a willing arms supplier that asks few questions
In another bid to attract Southeast Asia into its sphere of influence, Russia has increased its arms exports to the largest nation in the region, Indonesia. The arms deal comes amid enhanced cooperation between Russia and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
High rates of economic growth in the region have allowed governments to enhance their military expenditure. At the same time, the growing terrorist threat has prompted governments to pursue arms exports from Russia, a trade partner that delivers unconditionally. The response to terrorism in the region has largely ignored human rights concerns, prompting criticism from Western nations and civil society organisations.
Indonesian defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu officially announced last month that the government had purchased 11 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. The ministry had budgeted US$1.5 billion for the deal. Indonesia is the second state after China to purchase the Russian fighter jets.
The recent announcement mirrors similar efforts by Russia to integrate its defence economy with Asean members. Military spending in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand hit record highs in 2015, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Between 2010 and 2015, Russian arms to the region doubled, to US$5 billion from the previous five-year period.
Asean members are grappling with the heightened terrorist threat. Islamic State and its affiliates have gained ground throughout the region, particularly since militant groups in Indonesia and the Philippines pledged their allegiance to an Islamic caliphate in 2014.