The Indonesian Navy has decided to buy submarines from Russia after a survey tour that also includes Germany and France, the chief of staff said Thursday.

"We selected Russia because it offers affordable price and well- proven technology," Admiral Slamet Soebijanto was quoted by the national Antara news agency as saying.

He made the remarks during a visit to the naval base in the East Java capital of Surabaya .

He also said the decision is based on the country's "political decision" not to depend largely on western countries in arms procurement.

The Navy will buy six submarines of different classes from Russia, he said.

"The submarines will be fully armed and equipped with censor equipment at cheaper price."

On the same occasion, Military Chief Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto said the military is making a list of weapons to be bought from Russia, who has agreed to provide export credit of 1 billion U.S. dollars to the Indonesian government.

"Each force has made a list and proposal of weapons to be bought from Russia," he said. Besides submarines, the list also includes Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters for the Army.

Source: Xinhua