5 days ago
THIS Muslim nation, India's friend, deploys Turkey's KHAN missile system in..., big setback for China due to...
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KHAN Missile System: In a major setback to China's aggressive stance in the South China Sea, Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, has reportedly deployed Turkey's advanced short-range KHAN ballistic missile system in East Kalimantan, a move, experts believe, could alter the balance of power in Southeast Asia. Where Indonesia deployed the KHAN missile system?
According to military experts, Indonesia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to acquire ballistic missile capabilities, a step taken by Jakarta to protect its interests amid increasing tensions with China in the South China Sea.
Indonesia's ballistic missile deployment is also significant from geopolitical point of view as it highlights how countries in the region are reducing their dependence on the US and the West for arms exports, and boosting defense ties with regional powers like India and Turkey.
The East Kalimantan region, where Indonesia has deployed the KHAN missile system, is of great strategic importance because of northern sea routes. The region is also home to Nusantara, Indonesia planned capital city. Why China is concerned?
China and Indonesia are embroiled in border dispute in the South China Sea, particularly around the Natuna Islands. Beijing claims a major chunk of the South China Sea through the 'nine-dash line', which overlaps with Indonesia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Jakarta often protests intrusions by Chinese fishing boats into its EEZ, and the deployment of the KHAN missile system will give it the ability to deter Chinese intrusions into its borders. How powerful is KHAN missile system?
Developed by Turkish arms manufacturer Roketsan, the KHAN missile system is a short-range ballistic missile system, with a range of about 280 km. Indonesia is not a party to the missile control regime, and as such, Turkey cannot sell it missile systems with ranges exceeding 300 km.
According to media reports, Indonesia's newly-acquired KHAN missile system was first seen at the Indonesian Army's Raipur A Yonaarmed 18 base in Tengarong, Northern Kalimantan.
