Indonesia, Sweden sign deal on defense cooperation

Indonesia and Sweden inked an agreement Tuesday on defense cooperation, a move aimed at deepening bilateral ties, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said.

The memorandum of understanding included cooperation in manufacturing weaponry, exchanging intelligence information and join military exercise, he said.

"Cooperation on developing defense industry includes transfer of technology and join production," Minister Ryamizard said after singing the deal with his Swedish counterpart Carl Anders Peter Hultqvist.

Ryamizard revealed that the two nations had cooperated on defense since years ago, such as import of weapons from Sweden.

"This memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen defense cooperation between our countries," Minister Hultqvist said.

Indonesia has attempted to modernize weaponry to "a minimum essential level" and boost professionalism of military personnel to face challenges, including terrorism and cyber attacks, and transnational crimes.

The archipelago country is also considering purchase military and police aircraft following a series of plane and helicopter incidents that left dozens of casualties.

source: Xinhua