French defense company Nexter KNDS Group has pledged to transfer knowledge and technology related to ground defense, including medium to large-caliber ammunition, to Indonesia, in an effort to enhance Indonesia’s defense capabilities and sovereignty.
Nexter KNDS Group is a French defense company specializing in the production of tanks, artillery, and large-scale ammunition.
The group’s Representative Officer in Indonesia, Thomas Gerard, emphasized that this technology transfer is part of their long-standing cooperation with Indonesia.
“Nexter KNDS has been collaborating with Indonesia for a long time, and our commitment to knowledge and technology transfer is an integral part of our group’s mission,” Gerard said in a statement on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
Gerard highlighted that the technology transfer would involve medium and large-caliber ammunition, aiming to bolster Indonesia’s defense industry capabilities.
“We are willing to provide more technology, knowledge, and manufacturing capabilities to Indonesia,” he added.
KNDS-PINDAD collaboration
Nexter KNDS has been working closely with PT Pindad (Persero), an Indonesian state-owned arms manufacturer now part of the state-owned defense holding company, Defend ID.
This partnership reflects the mutual interest in enhancing defense manufacturing capabilities and expertise in Indonesia.
Bogat Wdiyatmoko, Deputy for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs at Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), reiterated the government’s focus on procuring defense and security equipment by preparing a budget for the domestic defense industry.
Speaking at a Land Defense Seminar organized by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) and Nexter KNDS last week, he stressed that defense procurement is a priority program for the 2025-2029 period under President Joko Widodo’s administration.
“The National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) 2025-2045 and the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2025-2029 have outlined several guidelines and strategies to strengthen the domestic defense industry,” Bogat said.
Bogat also noted that Indonesia ranks 25th among countries importing defense equipment, with suppliers including the United States, France, and South Korea.
He urged Indonesian state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the defense sector to increase the production of weapons and defense systems.
“We encourage SOEs in the defense industry to boost the production of weapons and defense equipment,” he said.
In the same event, Acting Governor of Lemhanas RI, Lieutenant General Eko Margiyono underscored the importance of conventional ammunition in determining the success of military operations.
Reflecting on recent global conflicts, he highlighted that conventional ammunition remains a priority alongside new technologies in modern warfare.
“The need for conventional ammunition is a crucial parameter for successful military operations, ensuring the readiness of the Indonesian Military (TNI) to face any challenges and threats that may arise at any time,” Eko said.
The ongoing collaboration between Indonesia and Nexter KNDS Group signifies a strengthening of bilateral ties in the defense sector, aiming to enhance Indonesia’s defense capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
