Australia Seeks Clarification on Reports of Russian Bombers in Indonesia

21 posts • OpenAI (o1)

Updated Apr 15, 2025, 09:09 AM

Australia is seeking clarification from Indonesia following reports that Russia has requested permission to base long-range strategic bombers at an air force base in Indonesia's Papua province, approximately 1,300 kilometers from the Australian mainland. The reports, initially published by military website Janes citing Indonesian officials, suggest that Russia aims to station aircraft at the Manuhua Air Force Base on Biak Island, which shares a runway with the Frans Kaisiepo Airport. Such a move would bring Russian strategic assets in close proximity to Australia, raising concerns in Canberra. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed alarm over the reports, stating, 'We obviously do not want to see Russian influence in our region.' Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that he has spoken with his Indonesian counterpart, who assured him that the reports are 'not true.' Opposition Leader Peter Dutton denounced the prospect of a Russian military presence near Australia, calling President Vladimir Putin a 'murderous dictator' and asserting that Russia is 'not welcome in our neighborhood.' The Australian government continues to monitor the situation closely.

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#Australia #Indonesia #Russia #Papua #Australian #Janes #Indonesian #Manuhua Air Force Base #Biak Island #Frans Kaisiepo Airport #Russian #Canberra #Anthony Albanese #Richard Marles #Peter Dutton #Vladimir Putin

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Sources

smh.com.au(3)janes.com(2)theguardian.com theconversation.com

Visegrád 24

@visegrad24

BREAKING: Janes writes that the Russian Air Force could be about to lease a military air base in Indonesia. Australian PM Anthony Albanese has asked Indonesia to clarify the situation: "We obviously do’t want to see Russian influence in our region," Albanese says https://t.co/dVXUEG3Wav

Julian Reichelt

@jreichelt

When, as Minister of Defense, you keep telling people that the Russian is coming very soon, but the Russian is already standing next to you and has dominated your party for years. https://t.co/eCzNIxBhYY

GeoInsider

@InsiderGeo

JUST IN: Australia is urgently seeking answers after reports that Russia wants to use an Indonesian air base just 1,300 km from Darwin. PM Albanese says Canberra is asking Jakarta for “clarification” as concerns grow over Russian long-range jets operating so close to Australia. https://t.co/fL7Enx4CQZ