East Timor is about to buy two patrol ships from Indonesia

06.04.2011 Government of East Timor expressed intention to buy patrol ships built by PT PAL and addressed an export credit request to Indonesia, reports Bangkok Post.

East Timor will purchase two fast-speed patrol ships at the price of $20 mln each, said Indonesian defense minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro after the meeting with East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. At present, Indonesian government consider the possibility to grant export credit.

Fast-speed patrol ships will be 30-40 meters long and have arms on board. They will join East Timor's moderate maritime security force, since the island state has no navy. The mentioned acquisition is a part of East Timor's long-term strategic development program named Force 2020; the program's objective is to protect oil platforms and secure sea lanes in Ombai and Wetar straits.

According to Indonesian defense minister, other countries of Southeast Asia including Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, and Malaysia have also displayed interest in production of Indonesian defense industry.

In particular, Philippines analyze possible joint construction of assault landing ship for force projection and rescuing of civil population suffered in natural disasters. Malaysia seeks to purchase armored personnel carriers APS-3 Anoa made by PT Pindad, and South Korea – airplanes CN-235 made by PT Dirgantara.