The Indonesian government explores buying three new warships from Russia worth about 335 million US dollars and several "kilo-class" attack submarines possibly from Germany, a local newspaper said Thursday.

A Ministry of Defense team is currently in talks with Russian officials on the best way to buy the warships, which could include a corvette, a destroyer and a frigate, reported The Jakarta Post, quoting an official with the ministry.

"We are approaching the Russians to explore the possibility of buying the warships and a sea transport helicopter. I expect that within the next two months there will be a definite outcome on this matter," said Ministry of Defense secretary-general Lt. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

The total price of the three warships and the helicopter were " about the same" as the two corvettes Indonesia bought in 2004 from the Netherlands, about 335 million dollars in total, he said.

The two newly built corvettes are scheduled to arrive in Indonesia in 2007 and 2008, with the Dutch government agreeing to gradually transfer warship-making technology to Indonesia.

"Based on the guidance from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the criteria for the purchase should be based partly on a relatively competitive price, but also on high quality. We believe Russia is (a war machine supplier) that meets both these requirements," said Sjafrie.

The country is expected to spend about 28 trillion rupiah (2.83 billion US dollars) this year on military spending, up from 23.3 trillion rupiah in 2005. Most of the funds will be used to procure Navy and Air Force equipment.

However, any warship purchases from Russia were unlikely to be made any time soon, because of the government's limited ability to pay, Sjafrie said.

"There will be no massive buy-up of defense equipment and warships this year. Our focus will remain on maintaining and upgrading our war machines. Should there be a deal with Russia, it is unlikely to be realized this year," he said.

Source: Xinhua