Indonesia has inked a billion-dollar deal to buy 11 Sukhoi Su-35 jets from Russia, an official said Saturday. The contract, signed by both countries’ representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday, is worth a total $1.14 billion, Indonesia defence ministry spokesman Totok Sugiharto said. The finalization of the deal, which has been talked about for years between the two longtime defense partners, would constitute a boost for Indonesia’s air force capabilities even amid the significant challenges that remain, writes Prashanth Parameswaran for The Diplomat. The arms deal between Russia and the largest nation in Southeast Asia comes amid enhanced cooperation between Russia and ASEAN member states.