TSAMTO, April 5. Japan and Indonesia have signed an agreement on the transfer of defense technologies and the intensification of cooperation in the field of defense industry. The agreement was signed in Tokyo on March 30 by the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries.
According to Jane's Defense Weekly, the agreement is aimed at supporting Japanese defense exports to Indonesia and strengthening regional security amid growing concerns about China's "assertiveness."
Details about the platforms offered for sale were not disclosed, but Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said that specific negotiations on this topic will begin soon. From official statements, it can be concluded that the transfer of military equipment and technology concerns, first of all, ensuring security at sea.
Japan and Indonesia have been discussing an agreement on the transfer of military technology and equipment for several years. At the end of 2020, the agreement was agreed in principle by both sides and provided for the simplification of cooperation in the field of maritime security equipment, including frigates and other surface warships.
At the end of 2020, representatives of Japanese shipbuilding companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), held talks with colleagues from Indonesia to implement joint projects for the Indonesian Navy. It is known that the platform, which was discussed as a potential joint project – is a Japanese 30FFM class frigate "Mogami" (Mogami), which is being built for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsui (in a separate agreement announced on March 29, 2021, MHI agreed to acquire Mitsui. The acquisition will be completed later this year).
According to the Asia Times, Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, in a statement dated April 1, 2021, confirmed his intention to purchase Mogami-class frigates in the amount of up to 8 units. Japan has proposed to deliver four 3,900-ton frigates ready-made, starting in December 2023, and to build the remaining four frigates at the PT PAL state shipyard in Surabaya.
For your reference: Indonesia had previously considered ordering six Danish Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates under a technology transfer agreement, initially valued at $ 720 million, but eventually opted for the Japanese offer. The cost of the lead frigate 30FFM for the Japanese Self-Defense Navy is estimated at $ 450 million.
Japan and Indonesia have previously sought to cooperate on defense programs, including military shipbuilding, under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2015. The memorandum provides for the development of cooperation in the field of "military equipment and technologies, including cooperation between the defense enterprises of the two countries." The agreement also focused on supporting regional maritime security.
Japan has already offered various defense products for sale to Indonesia, including the US-2i amphibious search and rescue aircraft from ShinMaywa Industries, as well as the P-1 maritime patrol aircraft and the C-2 transport aircraft from Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Jane's comment:
Japanese law requires the government to sign a technology transfer agreement with potential partners in the defense industry before it can specifically start selling military equipment and defense cooperation projects.
Indonesia became the 11th country to sign such an agreement with Japan since Tokyo lifted a voluntary ban on military exports in 2014. Other partners include Australia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. Tokyo is also believed to be discussing a similar agreement with Thailand.
Japan's emphasis on entering into agreements with Southeast Asian countries reflects Tokyo's intention to pursue closer defense and security partnerships with countries in the region. The strategy aims to strengthen regional security and counter China's growing influence.
In August 2020, Japan signed the first major contract involving the export of defense products, concluding a contract for the supply of J/FPS-3 radar stations manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) to the Philippine Air Force. The contract is valued at $ 103.5 million. and is Japan's largest military export deal since 2014.
