Ambassadors and representatives of the Eurofighter founding countries (Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) met with the Indonesian Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu earlier this week and delivered a formal Letter of Support for Eurofighter which had been signed by the Defence State Secretaries and Minister of State on behalf of the Ministries of Defence of the four countries.

The Letter of Support further endorsed the information already provided by Eurofighter and underwrote the four countries’ full support of the transfer of technology elements associated with the world’s most versatile and reliable fast-jet fighter.

Through the procurement of Eurofighter and associated technologies, Indonesia would also be able to capitalise on the successful long-term relationship which has developed between PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) and the Airbus Group. This unique combination of operational and industrial capabilities could provide the basis for long-term strategic growth in the Indonesian aerospace sector.

Enhancing the science and capacity development of Indonesia

Capitalising on the theme of innovation in the maritime sector, and in support of the activities surrounding the 20th National Technology Awakening Day, more than 25 senior representatives from Indonesia’s strategic industries, research institutes, relevant ministries, the air force and Eurofighter participated in a workshop yesterday in Jakarta.

The workshop explored the innovative use of fighter jets in the maritime environment. The participants identified and discussed areas for further joint research and study in order to assist Indonesia realise its vision of becoming a maritime axis through the enhancement of its defence, surveillance and peacekeeping capabilities.

Hosted jointly by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education (Kemenristekdikti) and Eurofighter, the workshop was attended by government officials and engineers including Advisor on Defence Technologies to the Menristekdikti, the Secretary General of the National Research Council, the Head of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and PT DI KFX Program Chief Engineer.

The workshop was facilitated by Eurofighter Head of Future Capabilities Laurie Hilditch. “If we are to apply innovation to support the Indonesian maritime axis vision, opportunities for deeper research into a range of Indonesian specific areas could be explored,” Hilditch said.

The initiative received a warm welcome from the participants, coming on the heels of National Coordination Meeting on Science and Technology (Rakornas IPTEK) with stakeholders representing academia, the government and businesses to develop a National Science and Technology Development Roadmap (4/8).

During the Rakornas, Menristekdikti called for a strong partnership between research communities and businesses to help propel Indonesia’s economy and boost the nation’s stature  – a vision shared by the Eurofighter Consortium.

“Reliable maritime protection is a fundamental requirement for this archipelagic nation. Add to that strong indigenous capabilities in the aerospace sector, and Indonesia will truly ‘take off’ as a maritime axis,” Eurofighter Head of Industrial Offset Martin Elbourne said on the sidelines of the workshop. “This is an approach supported by Eurofighter in its continuing dialogue with Indonesia.”

Eurofighter press release