Indonesia Defence Forum

[Whizzack]

I'm a bit confused with the below news... So let's see if I my understanding is correct..
Basically we are already firm with our choice in going with the Babcock-designed Arrowhead 140 variant of the Iver Huitfeldt class frigates, but at the same time we are also still in discussions with them to further modify the AH140 design to better suit TNI AL requirements...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indonesia to implement Arrowhead 140 design on Iver Huitfeldt-variant contract
by Ridzwan Rahmat

PT PAL is implementing the Arrowhead 140 design on a two-ship contract it signed with the Indonesian MoD in April 2020. (Babcock)

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL will implement the Arrowhead 140 design on a contract it secured from Jakarta in April 2020 for two Iver Huitfeldt class-variant frigates.

In response to questions from Janes, PT PAL's public affairs office confirmed that the two-ship contract worth USD720 million is officially in force, and work is under way in Surabaya, Indonesia, to prepare for the first build.

However, Janes also understands from a separate industry source that discussions are still ongoing between PT PAL and Babcock on design modifications that will be undertaken to meet the Indonesian Navy's requirements.

As reported by Janes in June 2020, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a preamble contract for a variant of the Iver Huitfeldt frigate with PT PAL in April 2020. However, the two-ship contract only became effective from 24 May 2021, PT PAL told Janes on 5 October.

The Arrowhead 140 is based on the Royal Danish Navy's Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate that was designed by Odense Maritime Technology . The Arrowhead 140 design also forms the basis for the UK Royal Navy's new Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates, the contract for which was signed in September 2019.

Incidentally, the Arrowhead140 is also one of four designs shortlisted by Indonesia for another six-ship frigate programme. Jakarta has since selected the Bergamini (FREMM)-class design for this project.

Subsequently in September 2021, UK defence group Babcock signed a design licence agreement with PT PAL at the DSEI exhibition in London. The agreement provides for the build of two Arrowhead 140 frigates at PT PAL's facilities in Surabaya.

Indonesia to implement Arrowhead 140 design on Iver Huitfeldt-variant contract

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL will implement the Arrowhead 140 design on a contract it secured from Jakarta in April 2020 for two Iver Huitfeldt class-variant frigates.

www.janes.com

 

[182]

Indonesian Light Strike Vehicle-ILSV J-FORCES
special variant for President of Indonesia-military inspection

LIVE: Upacara Penetapan Komponen Cadangan Tahun 2021, Pusdiklatpassus, Bandung Barat, 7 Oktober 2021

neon lamp attraction by KOMCAD( Armed Forces Reserves Component )

he's pulling ILSV with a neon lamp !

break it!

eat it...yeaahh strong-man

 

[Indos]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446091248276697093

 

[nufix]

I'm a bit confused with the below news... So let's see if I my understanding is correct..
Basically we are already firm with our choice in going with the Babcock-designed Arrowhead 140 variant of the Iver Huitfeldt class frigates, but at the same time we are also still in discussions with them to further modify the AH140 design to better suit TNI AL requirements...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indonesia to implement Arrowhead 140 design on Iver Huitfeldt-variant contract
by Ridzwan Rahmat

View attachment 782480
PT PAL is implementing the Arrowhead 140 design on a two-ship contract it signed with the Indonesian MoD in April 2020. (Babcock)

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL will implement the Arrowhead 140 design on a contract it secured from Jakarta in April 2020 for two Iver Huitfeldt class-variant frigates.

In response to questions from Janes, PT PAL's public affairs office confirmed that the two-ship contract worth USD720 million is officially in force, and work is under way in Surabaya, Indonesia, to prepare for the first build.

However, Janes also understands from a separate industry source that discussions are still ongoing between PT PAL and Babcock on design modifications that will be undertaken to meet the Indonesian Navy's requirements.

As reported by Janes in June 2020, the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a preamble contract for a variant of the Iver Huitfeldt frigate with PT PAL in April 2020. However, the two-ship contract only became effective from 24 May 2021, PT PAL told Janes on 5 October.

The Arrowhead 140 is based on the Royal Danish Navy's Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate that was designed by Odense Maritime Technology . The Arrowhead 140 design also forms the basis for the UK Royal Navy's new Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates, the contract for which was signed in September 2019.

Incidentally, the Arrowhead140 is also one of four designs shortlisted by Indonesia for another six-ship frigate programme. Jakarta has since selected the Bergamini (FREMM)-class design for this project.

Subsequently in September 2021, UK defence group Babcock signed a design licence agreement with PT PAL at the DSEI exhibition in London. The agreement provides for the build of two Arrowhead 140 frigates at PT PAL's facilities in Surabaya.

Indonesia to implement Arrowhead 140 design on Iver Huitfeldt-variant contract

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL will implement the Arrowhead 140 design on a contract it secured from Jakarta in April 2020 for two Iver Huitfeldt class-variant frigates.

www.janes.com

I dont think it is going to be a major change to the design. From what I understood, TNI is already firm on the design choice, but final configuration still needs to be done considering that our frigate might not be wielding the same weapons and sensors as the British variant does.

 

[Whizzack]

So it's now going to be 2xA400 + 1xA330 MRTT...? It's fine with me, but A400 only have drogue type AAR... is one MRTT enough to support the F-16 (and possibly F-15) fleet...?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446460148965314578

 

[Indos]

So it's now going to be 2xA400 + 1xA330 MRTT...? It's fine with me, but A400 only have drogue type AAR... is one MRTT enough to support the F-16 (and possibly F-15) fleet...?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446460148965314578

That is enough for Su 27/30, Hawk 100/200, and also Caracal Helicopter, the plane can also be used for transport and it can carry Harimau Medium tank. We can buy more MRTT later and it is important if IFX will use Boom refueling to speed up KF21/IFX development so they dont have to use drogue type AAR as previously become our requirement

By the way our Volunter Army Reserve use Pindad rifle, they are all new rifles by the way

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446093723855581184

 

[Whizzack]

So it's now going to be 2xA400 + 1xA330 MRTT...? It's fine with me, but A400 only have drogue type AAR... is one MRTT enough to support the F-16 (and possibly F-15) fleet...?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446460148965314578

Ok.. more clarification from AH.. it seems that when funding was approved for the 2 aerial tankers, the term "MRTT" was used simply as a generic term for a plane that can be used for both tanker and transport and doesn't actually refer to the well known A330 MRTT.. so what we are actually going to get is 2 x A400M for the MRTT role, while the A330 is going to be the ACJ version which is configured for VVIP..

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446681746896928773

Additional details of the potential offset deals can also be found on this article below (translation by google) .. also written by AH..
-----------------------------------------
The fate of the A400M Aircraft Procurement Plan Depends on Offset

Alman Helvas Ali , CNBC Indonesia
OPINION Friday, 08/10/2021 14:45 WIB

Photo: A400M transport aircraft (Ist)
The Ministry of Defense and Airbus Defense and Space (ADS) have been involved in intensive discussions for the past few months to discuss the planned acquisition of two A400M transport aircraft. The planned purchase of the transport aircraft which has a payload of 37 tons may be in one package with the procurement of used A330 aircraft which will be reconfigured into Airbus Corporate Jet. The intensive discussion between the two parties is an effort by the Ministry of Defense to immediately spend the allocation of the Financing Source Determination (PSP) worth US $ 5.8 billion given by the Minister of Finance on April 26, 2021 ago. There are several interesting things about the plan to procure transport aircraft which have been developed by these five European countries since 1989 in the Future Large Aircraft program.

First, the funding aspect. The Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) has approved an allocation of US$ 700 million for the Ministry of Defense for the acquisition of the Multirole Transport Tanker (MRTT) aircraft and its support. So that if the contract for the purchase of two A400Ms is signed this month, the Ministry of Defense does not need to request another budget proposal from the Ministry of Finance as in the case of the contract for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France, six FREMM-class frigates and two Maestrale-class frigates from Italy.

The challenge from the financial aspect of the planned procurement of two A400M is how the Ministry of Defense is able to obtain Companion Pure Rupiah (RMP) funds in the 2022 State Budget. As previously written, the Ministry of Finance is only able to provide Rp 3 trillion for RMP from the Rp 12 trillion requirement in the 2022 fiscal year. Assuming The RMP for the two A400Ms is 15% of the PSP allocation, an RMP of US$ 105 million or around Rp 1.4 trillion is required. A total of US$ 36 million or around Rp 513 billion of the Rp 3 trillion allocation for the 2022 RMP will be allocated for the purchase of 6 units of KAI's Lead In Fighter Training T-50 aircraft whose contract was signed a few months ago.

Second, the aspect of ability. Since 2019, many parties in Indonesia have assumed that the Ministry of Defense's need for MRTT aircraft will confront the A300 MRTT made by ADS with the KC-46A produced by Boeing Defense, Space and Security. The two rivals have also lobbied for their fixed-wing aircraft to become Indonesia's choice to meet the needs of transport aircraft as well as have the ability to perform air-to-air refueling. ADS has gone far through the PT GMF AeroAsia partnership to win the Indonesian market, while Boeing is relying on direct lobbying with the support of the United States (US) government with a less big role for local partners.

But in the course of time, ADS was able to convince the Ministry of Defense that the A400M, which is powered by four TP400-D6 turboprop engines made by Europrop International, is capable of performing aerial refueling missions as well. ADS claims about the ability to refuel in the air by the A400M is an undeniable fact, but the aircraft that adopts a high wing with T tail is only capable of refueling avtur using the hose and drogue method which is suitable for fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, F-18 Hornet, Sukhoi Su-27/Su-30. Indonesia also operates F-16 fighter aircraft that require a boom method for recharging the JP8 avtur which so far has not been able to be fulfilled by the A400M.

Third, offset package. How much offset valuation will be obtained by Indonesia from the planned acquisition of the two A400Ms depends on the agreement between ADS and several Indonesian defense industries. According to information from related parties, PT Dirgantara Indonesia proposed the CN235 autonomous right and updating of the NC212 technical data package to ADS. If the European manufacturer agrees with the CN235 autonomous right , the industry founded by the late former President of the Republic of Indonesia BJ Habibie can produce all CN235 components in Bandung without having to wait for supplies from ADS.

PT GMF AeroAsia is interested in getting offsetsplan to purchase A400M through GMF Defense. According to information from credible sources, a subsidiary of PT Garuda Indonesia (Persero) Tbk. it submitted a proposal for the maintenance of aircraft whose vertical tail plane trailing edge was supplied by Malaysia. The coverage maintenance namely airframe maintenance , however it is unclear whether there is an Indonesian company that has the capacity to engine overhaul A400M.

One change in the Ministry of Defense's policy regarding the current arms procurement contract plan is the signing of an offset agreementcan be done a maximum of six months after the contract is signed. This is in contrast to the policy several years ago where the Indonesian defense industry was urged to immediately conclude offset negotiations with manufacturers so that contracts could be signed immediately. Regarding the A400M contract plan, it seems that the Indonesian defense industry will have up to six months after the contract is signed to agree on offsets with ADS. If an offset agreement is not reached within six months , then the signed contract cannot enter the effective stage.

Will the Ministry of Defense sign a contract for the acquisition of two A400Ms in the near future? There is an initial target that the contract with ADS will be signed in the first week of October 2021. Once the contract has been signed, its fate will be determined by two factors, namely the availability of the RMP and the offset agreement .

Nasib Rencana Pengadaan Pesawat A400M Tergantung Offset

Kemenhan dan ADS sejak beberapa bulan silam telah terlibat dalam diskusi intensif untuk membahas rencana akuisisi dua unit pesawat angkut A400M.

www.cnbcindonesia.com

 

[Indos]

CN 235 that is jointly developed by CASA and IPTN (Indonesian Aerospace/PTDI) has 50:50 JV scheme, so CN 235 produced in Spain will also needs some components ship by Indonesian Aerospace in Bandung. CN 235 produced by Indonesian Aerospace should also get some components produced in Spain (Airbus Defense).

If we can produce whole components in Indonesia then it will be good for Indonesian Aerospace. Any way Airbus Defense has already been focusing on C 295 that is developed from CN 235.

Defence History

Defence History

www.airbus.com

History


On October 17, 1979, IPTN and CASA (now Airbus Defense & Space) established a new joint-venture company, Aircraft Technology (Airtech) to design the CN235. This new multi-purpose aircraft has a Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capability at 800 meters rugged airstrips, ramp door for out/coming goods easily, and low cost maintenance characteristics.

The first prototype “Elena” produced by CASA made the maiden flight on November 11, 1983 and the second prototype “Tetuko” produced by IPTN (now PTDI) flew for the first time on December 1983. The serial production began in 1986 for the 10 and 100 versions

Later on PTDI developed the improved version such as 110 and 220 versions; while Airbus Defense & Space with 200 and 300 versions. Nowadays, more than 300 CN235s have been produced in many versions with the latest two General Electric CT7-9C engines (each has 1,750 SHP).

In the collaboration for export purpose, PTDI produces outer wings, horizontal stabilizers, vertical fins and doors for Airbus Defense & Space; while Airbus Defense & Space produces disassembled noses, disassembled cockpit, and center wings for PTDI.

PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (Persero)

www.indonesian-aerospace.com

 

[Indos]

I dont know why they want to buy A330 ACJ which is a VVIP plane. It could be due to the plan by Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia Flagship airline, to get rid many planes and focus more on domestic flight.

This I speculate the plane will be used by Indonesian Ministers because they cannot use Garuda Indonesia anymore in the future due to that recent plan. Of course it also can be used by President as well for long trip journey.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446681746896928773

For non Indonesian members information, Indonesia has already got 1 Presidential plane

 

[Whizzack]

I dont know why they want to buy A330 ACJ which is a VVIP plane. It could be due to the plan by Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia Flagship airline, to get rid many planes and focus more on domestic flight.

This I speculate the plane will be used by Indonesian Ministers because they cannot use Garuda Indonesia anymore in the future due to that recent plan. Of course it also can be used by President as well for long trip journey.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1446681746896928773

For non Indonesian members information, Indonesia has already got 1 Presidential plane

View attachment 783156

Well.. an A330 configured as ACJ is no joke as a VVIP plane.. I mean that's a high end VVIP modification there.. probably comparable to the Presidential BBJ plane in terms of luxury and comfort and other facilities... not something you would want to convert back and forth between transport / cargo / tanker like if we pick the A330 MRTT... so maybe they do really need a dedicated, bigger and longer range Presidential plane..?

A typical A330 ACJ layout complete with conference room, office + bedroom for VVIP

That being said, it's also possible we were tempted by the offset offer for A400M which will allow us to build CN235s 100% locally... I think that would be good for PTDI too.. even better if ADS can / will also transfer all IP related to CN235 to PTDI.

 

[Indos]

Well.. an A330 configured as ACJ is no joke as a VVIP plane.. I mean that's a high end VVIP modification there.. probably comparable to the Presidential BBJ plane in terms of luxury and comfort and other facilities... not something you would want to convert back and forth between transport / cargo / tanker like if we pick the A330 MRTT... so maybe they do really need a dedicated, bigger and longer range Presidential plane..?

A typical A330 ACJ layout complete with conference room, office + bedroom for VVIP
View attachment 783213

That being said, it's also possible we were tempted by the offset offer for A400M which will allow us to build CN235s 100% locally... I think that would be good for PTDI too.. even better if ADS can / will also transfer all IP related to CN235 to PTDI.

Some data of C 212 is also mentioned by AH as something that would be transfered, might be data in wind tunnel test of various C 212 versions during development by CASA.

Airbus Defense gets contract of 56 planes from India where around 16 will be built completely in Spain and the rest will be assembled by Tata in India. They will use all of CN 235 production facility to make 16 complete planes and all components of those 56 planes of C 295. Indonesia Aerospace as supply chain of C 295 for some parts look like will get some aerostructure sales as well.

This means they are going to focus on C 295 by the way and letting PTDI produce whole parts of CN 235 will not lose them any business as they are busy with C 295. This is also good for N 245 program as we will start making the head and Center Wing Box (CWB) of the plane for the first time, something that we will do anyway if we can complete N 245 project development where the head is still similar

 

[Whizzack]

I think that TNI AU really feels having A400M is more useful than having A330 MRTT... even though the A330 MRTT can be also converted into Transport / Cargo roles (and can carry a heavier load faster), it still requires dedicated loading / unloading facilities at the airport, while the A400M can simply roll cargo on/off the ramp.. also A400M can operate from unprepared / damaged airfields and perform airdrops which is very crucial for the all-important HADR missions... the only drawback is the A400M cannot perform boom type AAR... So our (rather large) fleet of F-16s will still lack AAR support... which sucks ... but perhaps for the TNI AU higher-ups, this capability is less important compared to the versatility of the A400M in its transport role.

I can't blame such thinking.. In a country like ours, HADR and disaster relief operations is a mathematical certainty, and with limited budget we need to maximize the roles for all platform... A330 MRTT excels in its Tanker role, but as a transport is not too different to any large commercial airliner which can only operate from larger & better equipped airports.. also our operational needs for a Tanker is probably not that frequent either, meaning the MRTT would only fly infrequently... On the other hand, the A400M when not performing tanker missions, can run cargo missions to remote and forward airfields, ensuring a more frequent operational tempo.

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Amid Funding Challenges, Indonesia Eyes A400M for Aerial Tanker Requirements

12 Oktober 2021


A400m air-to-air-refueling (photo : Airbus)

Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enhance its military airlift capabilities, however, it is now in talks to decide if the airframe can also fulfil its air force's in-flight refuelling requirements.

Documents forwarded to Janes reveal that the matter was discussed at a virtual meeting between the Indonesian Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) Directorate General for Defence Potential (DDP) and representatives from Airbus Indonesia on 1 October.

Also present during the meeting were officials from state-owned defence electronics company PT Len, Bandung-based aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), aircraft maintenance company PT GMF AeroAsia, and directors overseeing offset matters at the DDP's office.

As reported by Janes in June 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance (MoF) has granted approval for the country to obtain up to USD700 million in foreign loans to procure two aerial tankers for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).

Amid funding challenges, Indonesia eyes A400M for aerial tanker requirements

Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enhance its military airlift capabilities, however, it is now in talks to decide if the...

www.janes.com

Amid Funding Challenges, Indonesia Eyes A400M for Aerial Tanker Requirements

12 Oktober 2021 A400m air-to-air-refueling (photo : Airbus) Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enh...

defense-studies.blogspot.com

 

[Indos]

I think that TNI AU really feels having A400M is more useful than having A330 MRTT... even though the A330 MRTT can be also converted into Transport / Cargo roles (and can carry a heavier load faster), it still requires dedicated loading / unloading facilities at the airport, while the A400M can simply roll cargo on/off the ramp.. also A400M can operate from unprepared / damaged airfields and perform airdrops which is very crucial for the all-important HADR missions... the only drawback is the A400M cannot perform boom type AAR... So our (rather large) fleet of F-16s will still lack AAR support... which sucks ... but perhaps for the TNI AU higher-ups, this capability is less important compared to the versatility of the A400M in its transport role.

I can't blame such thinking.. In a country like ours, HADR and disaster relief operations is a mathematical certainty, and with limited budget we need to maximize the roles for all platform... A330 MRTT excels in its Tanker role, but as a transport is not too different to any large commercial airliner which can only operate from larger & better equipped airports.. also our operational needs for a Tanker is probably not that frequent either, meaning the MRTT would only fly infrequently... On the other hand, the A400M when not performing tanker missions, can run cargo missions to remote and forward airfields, ensuring a more frequent operational tempo.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amid Funding Challenges, Indonesia Eyes A400M for Aerial Tanker Requirements

12 Oktober 2021


A400m air-to-air-refueling (photo : Airbus)

Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enhance its military airlift capabilities, however, it is now in talks to decide if the airframe can also fulfil its air force's in-flight refuelling requirements.

Documents forwarded to Janes reveal that the matter was discussed at a virtual meeting between the Indonesian Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) Directorate General for Defence Potential (DDP) and representatives from Airbus Indonesia on 1 October.

Also present during the meeting were officials from state-owned defence electronics company PT Len, Bandung-based aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), aircraft maintenance company PT GMF AeroAsia, and directors overseeing offset matters at the DDP's office.

As reported by Janes in June 2021, the Indonesian Ministry of Finance (MoF) has granted approval for the country to obtain up to USD700 million in foreign loans to procure two aerial tankers for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).

Amid funding challenges, Indonesia eyes A400M for aerial tanker requirements

Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enhance its military airlift capabilities, however, it is now in talks to decide if the...

www.janes.com

Amid Funding Challenges, Indonesia Eyes A400M for Aerial Tanker Requirements

12 Oktober 2021 A400m air-to-air-refueling (photo : Airbus) Indonesia has revisited plans to procure a fleet of Airbus A400M aircraft to enh...

defense-studies.blogspot.com

Yup, I think with interesting offer for CN 235, this plan is still quite reasonable. This is just 2 planes by the way and we still have time to buy A330 MRTT after 2024. I also think to speed up development process of KF21/IFX, IFX should be similar in air refueling with KF 21 and using boom system. We still have 32 F 16 that will be operated for another 20 years, so better if IFX also uses similar ARS with F 16.

What I can sense is that the administration tried to make loan used by Defense Ministry as productive and effective as it can, it means beside intended for military operation and practice, the acquisition should also strengthen the local defense industry.

This is what is stated by SMI in 2018 during international conference that Indonesia should have prudent and sounds economic policy in term of spending, the deficit should not be above 3 percent and the loan that is taken on spending should be productive enough and make more money than the interest rate that the government must pay.

This is what happen as I remember during SBY times. SMI is a Finance Minister under SBY during 2005-2010 and modernization program is actually not much during the period in term of military equipment acquisition. SBY administration fast modernization program only happen after SMI left the administration to be World Bank Managing Director.

SMI is also becoming Finance Minister again under Jokowi since 2015 and we see the focus of the administration is economy. Even the acquisition of local production equipment is still quite many during Jokowi first period and foreign loan for MoD is relatively small. When we get pressure coming from financial market into our currency and the trade deficit was increasing into historic 8 billion USD in 2018, then we see government start negotiating the KF21/IFX financial contribution and stop paying the financial obligation.

We will see what will happen in the coming months, but so far several contract that have been effective are really related to our local defense industry enhancement, thus once again economic oriented spending which I am also supporting is still applied. This current A 400 M possible deal also look like no different with that tendency.

I hope the budget for KF 21/IFX is released in 2022 and we start paying our financial commitment. This project has positive economic side as well due to Indonesia Aerospace participation, and with the economic environment that look like supportive with high commodity prices, low inflation, 16 consecutive months of trade surplus, stronger Rupiah, good FDI and the successful to contain delta variant, I hope SMI doesnt feel that paying 1.5 billion USD is too much for KF21/IFX program. She needs to see India/Saudi/UAE defense program as comparison.

 

[Battlion25]

Well.. an A330 configured as ACJ is no joke as a VVIP plane.. I mean that's a high end VVIP modification there.. probably comparable to the Presidential BBJ plane in terms of luxury and comfort and other facilities... not something you would want to convert back and forth between transport / cargo / tanker like if we pick the A330 MRTT... so maybe they do really need a dedicated, bigger and longer range Presidential plane..?

A typical A330 ACJ layout complete with conference room, office + bedroom for VVIP
View attachment 783213

That being said, it's also possible we were tempted by the offset offer for A400M which will allow us to build CN235s 100% locally... I think that would be good for PTDI too.. even better if ADS can / will also transfer all IP related to CN235 to PTDI.

I feel like one place Indonesia uses more time on is the navy while making new innovations there is key. I know Indonsia has been part of building new 5th gen fighter jets including very good Armored vechicles and armored jeeps etc etc including 8'8 carriers but one place that catches my eyes is the Indo navy projects I feel like something exciting is happening there and I feel like something ground breaking is emerging from there.

The key element here is making everything inside the ocean obsolote whether it is aircraft carrier or submarine. something Indonesia is trying to achieve here by building the right tools to achieve that I don't wanna give to much away here

 

[Whizzack]

Yup, I think with interesting offer for CN 235, this plan is still quite reasonable. This is just 2 planes by the way and we still have time to buy A330 MRTT after 2024. I also think to speed up development process of KF21/IFX, IFX should be similar in air refueling with KF 21 and using boom system. We still have 32 F 16 that will be operated for another 20 years, so better if IFX also uses similar ARS with F 16.

What I can sense is that the administration tried to make loan used by Defense Ministry as productive and effective as it can, it means beside intended for military operation and practice, the acquisition should also strengthen the local defense industry.

This is what is stated by SMI in 2018 during international conference that Indonesia should have prudent and sounds economic policy in term of spending, the deficit should not be above 3 percent and the loan that is taken on spending should be productive enough and make more money than the interest rate that the government must pay.

This is what happen as I remember during SBY times. SMI is a Finance Minister under SBY during 2005-2010 and modernization program is actually not much during the period in term of military equipment acquisition. SBY administration fast modernization program only happen after SMI left the administration to be World Bank Managing Director.

SMI is also becoming Finance Minister again under Jokowi since 2015 and we see the focus of the administration is economy. Even the acquisition of local production equipment is still quite many during Jokowi first period and foreign loan for MoD is relatively small. When we get pressure coming from financial market into our currency and the trade deficit was increasing into historic 8 billion USD in 2018, then we see government start negotiating the KF21/IFX financial contribution and stop paying the financial obligation.

We will see what will happen in the coming months, but so far several contract that have been effective are really related to our local defense industry enhancement, thus once again economic oriented spending which I am also supporting is still applied. This current A 400 M possible deal also look like no different with that tendency.

I hope the budget for KF 21/IFX is released in 2022 and we start paying our financial commitment. This project has positive economic side as well due to Indonesia Aerospace participation, and with the economic environment that look like supportive with high commodity prices, low inflation, 16 consecutive months of trade surplus, stronger Rupiah, good FDI and the successful to contain delta variant, I hope SMI doesnt feel that paying 1.5 billion USD is too much for KF21/IFX program. She needs to see India/Saudi/UAE defense program as comparison.

Actually I think that if we decide to pick up the A330 MRTT, we should just try to get surplus civilian A330s and then have it converted to A330 MRTT if possible... the potential for offset won't be as big as getting new build MRTTs or A400M, but GMF should at least get the contract and certification for MRTT local support and maintenance work..

For IFX, It seems we might differ here as I think we need to keep the probe AAR version we originally specified for IFX... I know that Boom AAR has a faster fuel transfer rate compared to Probe and the Koreans prefer to use that for KF-21... but I feel that the Probe has much more flexibility compared to Boom... Boom AAR needs a specialized large aerial tanker on the class of MRTT or KC-46, while Probe can use almost any other plane as a tanker if necessary (as long as it can carry a refueling pod), from modified transport planes like A400M & KC-130, to buddy-buddy refueling, to refueling by drone... so they will be much more flexible in this regard... no need to depend only on the large dedicated tankers for AAR support.

Drone AAR

Buddy-buddy AAR

Cargo plane AAR