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Russia Sends Strike Submarine to Indonesia Amid Bomber Base Plans
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Russia has sent a naval group, including a missile corvette and a Kalibr-capable submarine, to waters near Indonesia, in a move linked to earlier discussions about securing access to a local airbase for strategic aviation.
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According to Defense Express on April 2, citing Janes, Indonesian naval authorities reported that on March 31 a Russian naval detachment arrived near Jakarta.
The group includes the missile corvette Gromkiy, a diesel-electric submarine of Project 636.6, and the ocean-going tug Andrey Stepanov. The visit has been described as part of efforts to strengthen defense cooperation between Russia and Indonesia.
🇮🇩🇷🇺 A Russian Navy #ВМФ Pacific Fleet detachment arrived in Jakarta (29/3):
— JATOSINT (@Jatosint) March 29, 2026
·Improved Kilo II submarine Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (B-274)
·Steregushchiy-class corvette RFS Gromkiy (335)
·Tugboat Andrey Stepanov
📸Indonesian Navy @_TNIAL_ pic.twitter.com/rJ21exUAlr
Defense Express reported that further details about the purpose of the deployment have not been disclosed.
The Gromkiy corvette is equipped with anti-ship missiles, typically carrying Kh-35U systems. Meanwhile, submarines of Project 636.6 are capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles, including the 3M14 variant for land-attack missions and the 3M54 variant designed for anti-ship strikes.
According to Defense Express, citing Janes, the naval visit comes amid previously reported Russian interest in gaining access to an Indonesian airbase capable of hosting long-range aircraft such as the Tu-95MS strategic bomber and Il-76 transport aircraft.
Discussions about potential access to the Manuhua airbase date back to April 2025, with earlier instances of Russian aircraft landing there reported in 2017. Russia has submitted multiple requests for such landings, which Indonesia has approved in the past.
The broader context includes shifting defense relations in the region. Indonesia abandoned plans to purchase Russian Su-35 fighter jets in 2022, opting instead for French Rafale aircraft. However, the country joined BRICS in early 2025 and continues to operate a fleet of Russian-made aircraft, including Su-27 and Su-30 variants.
Earlier, countries Defense Ministers Sjamsoeddin and Shoigu pledged to deepen bilateral defense ties during their meeting—just months after Indonesia held its first joint naval drill with Russia near Java. That cooperation came as Indonesia joined BRICS, the economic bloc co-founded by Russia.
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