According to Hardoyo, it is quite difficult for defense equipment manufacturers to provide ToT facilities to buyers.
“Our experience in buying F-16, if we do it offset, it is good because (the production) can be done in Indonesia,” he explained in an official press release from the Indonesia Strategic and Defense Studies (ISDS) and Indo Defense Magazine (IDM) on Friday.
“If we ask for ToT, it does not make sense, because we can control and steal their knowledge,” he said.
He added that technology transfer can endanger defense equipment manufacturers, given the risk of sophisticated technology secrets spreading easily.
This could threaten the sustainability of the defense industry, he pointed out.
Related news: Indonesia, France set to deepen defense cooperation ties
Meanwhile, under the offset concept, manufacturers implement the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) concept in partner countries.
The offset concept was utilized by Indonesia and aircraft manufacturer Boeing during the purchase of 24 F15EX fighter jets in August 2023.
Under the concept, Boeing helped develop the capabilities of the Indonesian defense industry, especially in the fields of technology and education.
Through the collaboration, Boeing sought to develop the quality of human resources by increasing cooperation in education related to technology and science.
“Through collaboration with schools and universities, Boeing has helped create an educational ecosystem that is capable of producing new talents in the field of high technology,” director for India, Asia and Pacific, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Randy Rotte, said in the same release.
Through this method, Indonesia can get raw technology and build quality human resources to create more advanced defense technology in the future.
Related news: PT DI sends technicians to France to study Rafale fighter jets
Translator: Walda Marison, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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