JAKARTA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian army would purchase Black Hawk helicopters from the United States this year, in a bid to strengthen its weaponry, a military officer said here on Monday.
The plan is part of the Indonesian government's effort to modernize its weaponry.
"Black Hawk is a good choice," said General Pramono Eddie Wibowo, Indonesian army chief of staff after signing an agreement between the army, oil and gas firm PT. Pertamina Persero and BRI bank here at the army headquarters.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said that Indonesia aims to purchase weaponry from countries in Eastern Europe or the United States with reduced budget for maintenance which would offer lower prices for buyers.
Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro has said that Indonesia requires more war helicopters to help secure the largest archipelago in the world.
Terrorism, transnatinal crime and insurgency are among the main challenges for Indonesian military.
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