Russia's aircraft request in Indonesia sparks regional debate
According to the Bulgarian Military portal, Russia has submitted a formal request to station long-range military aircraft in Indonesia. The discussion centers around the Manuhua Air Force base in Biak Numfor, Papua, which is approximately 750 miles from Australia.
On April 14, 2025, reports surfaced that Russia had asked Indonesia for permission to station military aircraft at the Manuhua base in Biak Numfor, just 750 miles from Darwin, Australia, where American soldiers are stationed daily.
Indonesia denies the reports
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles stated that he spoke with his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, who assured him that the reports are false. Nevertheless, the situation has sparked a debate about Russia's intentions in the Indo-Pacific region and the strategic importance of the Manuhua base. While Indonesia maintains strategic neutrality and might be interested in Russia's military assistance offers, its response to Russia's request remains unclear.
The Manuhua base, located on Biak Island in Indonesia, is a modest facility sharing a runway with Frans Kaisiepo Airport. However, its proximity to Darwin, where American military personnel are stationed, makes it strategically significant.
What aircraft might Russia deploy?
The Bulgarian Military portal notes that if Russia were to deploy military aircraft to Manuhua, they would likely be long-range models, such as bombers like the Tu-95MS and the Tu-160. This wouldn't be the first time the Russian Federation's military has opted to relocate its valuable aircraft far from the front lines.
The Tu-95MS is among the oldest strategic aircraft still in Russia's arsenal. With a range of about 7,500 miles, this aircraft can undertake missions over considerable distances. Equipped with four NK-12 turboprop engines, it can reach a maximum speed exceeding 500 mph. Additionally, the Tu-95MS can carry loads up to 44,000 lbs, making it highly versatile in military operations.
Tu-95MS aircraft are designed to carry various types of armaments. Their arsenal includes cruise missiles like the Kh-55 and Kh-101, as well as conventional and nuclear bombs. Kh-55 missiles, with a range of up to 1,800 miles, are capable of striking strategic targets over large distances. In contrast, the Kh-101 is a more advanced version equipped with modern guidance systems, enhancing its precision and effectiveness.
On the other hand, the Tu-160, known as a supersonic bomber with variable-sweep wings, is referred to as Blackjack by NATO and sometimes nicknamed the "White Swan" due to its distinctive appearance.
Although production of these aircraft formally ended in 1994, they continue to be used by the military. The impressive Tu-160 measures nearly 180 feet in length, over 43 feet in height, and has a wingspan of 117 feet. This bomber can carry a payload of 62,000 lbs, reaching a top speed of up to 1,367 mph.
