Russia seeks aircraft base in Indonesia amid regional tension
Russia has formally requested permission to station long-range military aircraft in Indonesia, as reported on the Bulgarian Military portal. The discussion is centred on the Manuhua Air Force base in Biak Numfor, Papua, which is located approximately 1,200 kilometres from Australia.
On 14 April 2025, reports emerged that Russia had formally asked Indonesia for permission to station military aircraft at the Manuhua base in Biak Numfor, just 1,200 kilometres from Darwin, Australia, where American soldiers are stationed daily.
Indonesia denies the reports
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles informed that he had spoken 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 significance of the Manuhua base. Indonesia, which maintains strategic neutrality, might be interested in Russia's military assistance offers, but its response to Russia's request remains unclear.
The Manuhua base, located on Biak Island in Indonesia, is a modest facility that shares a runway with Frans Kaisiepo Airport. However, its proximity to Darwin, where American military personnel are stationed, makes it a point of strategic interest.
What aircraft might Russia deploy?
The Bulgarian Military portal notes that if Russia were to send military aircraft to Manuhua, they would most likely be long-range machines. This includes bombers such as the Tu-95MS and Tu-160. It wouldn't be the first time the Russian Federation's military has decided to relocate its valuable aircraft far from the front lines to safeguard them.
Tu-95MS are among the oldest strategic aircraft still part of Russia's arsenal. This aircraft has a range of about 12,000 kilometres, allowing it to undertake missions over considerable distances. Equipped with four NK-12 turboprop engines, it reaches a maximum speed exceeding 800 kilometres per hour. Additionally, the Tu-95MS can carry loads up to 20,000 kilograms, making it a versatile tool in military operations.
Tu-95MS aircraft were designed to carry various types of armament. Their arsenal includes cruise missiles, such as the Kh-55 and Kh-101, as well as conventional and nuclear bombs. Kh-55 missiles, with a range of up to 2,900 kilometres, are capable of striking strategic targets over large distances. Conversely, the Kh-101 is a more advanced version, equipped with modern guidance systems, making them even more precise and effective in action.
In contrast, the Tu-160, known as the supersonic bomber with variable-sweep wings, is called Blackjack by NATO, and due to its distinctive appearance, it is sometimes referred to as the "White Swan".
Although the production of these aircraft formally ended in 1994, they are still used by the military. The impressive Tu-160 structure measures nearly 55 metres in length, over 13 metres in height, and has a wingspan of 35 metres. This bomber can carry a payload of 28,000 kilograms, reaching a maximum speed of up to 2,200 kilometres per hour.
