Federal election 2025: Australia knew of Russian bid for Indonesian air base for months

Australia was aware of a Russian request to use Indonesian military bases for long-range bombers, which came to light during the election campaign. Following a meeting in February between Russia’s Security Council chief Sergei Shoigu and Indonesia’s Defence Minister, the request was reported, prompting calls for more information from the Australian Government. Indonesian officials have since stated they would not allow foreign military bases, while Australian politicians criticized the Labor Government’s handling of the issue and the implications for regional security.

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