JAKARTA, Nov. 7 -- The Indonesian military is now weighing advanced fighter jets to replace the F-5 E/F Tiger II light attack planes which have been in service with its air forces in the last three decades.

Three fighter jets originally produced in Russia, Sweden and the United States have been shortlisted to replace the Indonesian 14th Squadron based in Madiun, East Java. They were Sukhoi Su-35, JAS-39 Gripen and F-16 Block 52+.

"It's yet to be decided. We have considered Gripen besides Su- 35 and F-16 planes. We also considered political aspect to decide, " Indonesian Military Commander General Moeldoko said at an annual defense exhibition "Indo Defense" on Thursday.

Indonesia operates a total of 16 F-5 E/F Tiger II with 12 single-seat and 4 double-seat planes. Those planes, produced by U. S. aircraft maker Northrop, were delivered to Indonesia in 1980.

During their services with the Indonesian air forces, those planes had been refurbished to improve their airworthiness.

JAS-39 Gripen manufactured by Swedish aviation firm SAAB is viewed as very likely to replace Indonesia's aged fleet of F-5s. Similar type of fighter jet has been in service in Thai air forces as replacement to its F-5s.

Besides Sweden, the fighter jet is also operated by air forces of Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Britain.

President Director of Indonesia's state-run aviation firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) Budi Santoso said Indonesia requires a Transfer of Technology (TOT) scheme on each purchase of military plane from foreign country.

"If you want to sell planes to Indonesia, you must not merely sell the units. The assembling process should be conducted in Indonesia," Budi on Thursday.

He believed through the assembling process done domestically, Indonesia would be able to learn advanced technology in the making of fighter jets so as to benefit the nation's independence in defense industry. "Besides that it would ease the maintenance of the planes," he added.

Indonesia has been extensively purchasing advanced military weaponry, vehicles and equipment since 2010 as the largest economy in Southeast Asia has been recording rapid economic growths.

Through a military strategic plan program, Renstra, then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono allocated huge funds to modernize the nation's defense system to comply with its military' s Minimum Essential Force doctrine.

Since then Indonesia's military saw deliveries of new fighter jets, tanks, warships imported from various countries.