Sweden has officially offered its air power package to Indonesia, banking on lower lifecycle cost coupled with attractive financing solutions and a commitment to fulfill its obligation of transferring the technology.The offer was announced by Swedish Ambassador to Jakarta Johanna Brismar Skoog during a breakfast briefing at her residence in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Thursday morning.
Indonesia is looking to replace its aging, US-made F-5 E/F Tiger II jet fighter and the Swedish offer is thus far the only comprehensive one.Rather than offering only the latest generation of its light, single engine Gripen jet fighter, Swedish defense and security giant Saab throws a complete set of air defense systems.
The offer also includes Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) for maritime surveillance and control; ground-based Command and Control; tactical data link to share data among various platforms; industrial cooperation, including transfer of technology and local production; and extensive job creation, reaching into the thousands.
“We have a proven track record on transfer of technology and industrial cooperation,” Skoog said, citing Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Thailand as examples.“We have the best capacities and capabilities in air defense allowing you to control your territory.”She added that the air power package offered by Sweden was not only limited to military purposes but also civilian, such as monitoring illegal fishing, smuggling and piracy.