Trump Threat Spurred Indonesia to Drop Russia, China Arms Deals

The Trump administration pressured Indonesia into dropping deals to buy Russian-made fighter jets and Chinese naval vessels, part of a global effort to prevent its top adversaries from eroding the U.S.’s military superiority.

Indonesia recently decided against moving ahead with a plan to procure 11 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets for about $1.1 billion, according to an official familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because the details of discussions remain private. As recently as last month, the official said, the U.S. also pressured Indonesia into walking away from talks with China to procure several naval patrol vessels for about $200 million.