Dahana to Produce Sukhoi Fuse Bomb

The technology of military defense industry is no longer dominated by and depending on foreign countries, especially the US and Europe.

Indonesia had already acquired the technology and is now able to produce its own various military needs, which previously had to be imported. To support the primary defense weapon system (alutsista) independency, several potential SOEs are synergized by the government as Strategic Industry SOEs (BUMNIS).

One of the Strategic Industry SOEs is PT Dahana (Persero), the only local industry focusing on various explosives for military needs. Among others, Dahana is currently exploring the development of fuse bomb mass production for domestic military needs. The project itself is a continuation of Dahana’s success in producing the P-100 bomb filling.

Fuse itself is an automatic part of the device that initiates the function, which is to direct the bomb to its correct target without having to be controlled. Without the fuse technology planted in the P-100 bomb, the bomb would only be able to explode with low target accuracy after being shot from the fighter aircraft. The fuse bomb produced by Dahana would later be used for the Sukhoi aircrafts owned by the Indonesian military air force. Aside from that, it is also possible that the fuse bomb, which is planned to be produced in Subang, will be exported to the much potential Asian markets, considering the somewhat rarely present fuse technology at the moment.

The vital Dahana project itself is planned to be completed and start its fuse bomb production by 2015. This is also in accordance with the government’s plan to turn the Sukhoi fighter aircraft armada into one squadron by adding more aircrafts. Currently the Indonesian military air force only has 10 units of the Russian manufactured aircrafts. Through the Defense Ministry, the company will be working with Armaco from Bulgaria to learn about fuse bomb manufacturing technology by means of continuous technology transfer scheme.

As explained by Bambang Agung, PT Dahana (Persero)’s Director of Development and Technology, the fuse bomb project will be synergized with the explosives filling industry which has already been carried out, such as P-100 Bomb, R-Han rocket and Blast Effect Bomb. “Should the project be realized, it would save foreign exchange used to buy alutsista from foreign countries,” said Bambang Agung.(IDR) 

 Dahana Shows off Dayaprime on National Technology Revival Day Launching 

Carrying the title as one of the national strategic industries, PT DAHANA (Persero) was present at the launching of the National Technology Revival Day (Hakteknas) on Monday (24/06).

Also present at the launching event, which was held at the same time as the technology product exhibition, were some other SOEs and strategic institutions. The event also acted as a showcase for various latest technology products.

Located at BPPT Building on MH Thamrin Street, the nation’s creations in the sector of the primary means of defense system (alutsista) were shown at the event. The creations were of the latest innovations and each year different innovations are displayed. The innovations displayed include Unmanned Aerial Vehicle belonging to LAPAN, Sniper Rifle from PT Pindad, bulletproof steel made by PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) and the latest generation airplane from PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

Not wanting to fall behind, PT Dahana also introduced its latest booster product. The dynamite labeled “Dayaprime” became one of PT Dahana’s main flagship products at the exhibition which only ran shortly for 3 hours. Using the latest technology, Dayaprime was boasted as having higher explosives energy compared to the former dynamite product, Dayagel Magnum. Also shown in the event was the P-100 live bomb which was a result of the collaboration between Dahana and PT Sari Bahari, a national private company.

As revealed by Bambang Agung, PT DAHANA’s Director of Technology & Development, the government was still unable to completely lose its dependency towards imported explosives. “Every year Indonesia still imports bombs similar to P-100 with an amount of up to 1.2 million pieces. Right now, Dahana is gradually starting to be able to substitute the need of bombs which have similar capabilities to P-100.” Bambang explained. The P-100 bombs which act as warhead to Sukhoi and F-16 fighter aircrafts had gradually replaced foreign explosives used by the Ministry of Defense.

Similar to the P-100 bomb, the latest explosives “Dayaprime” was also projected to replace booster needed in the mines industry which was currently fulfilled through importation. According to Bambang, the dynamite produced by joint operation between PT Dahana and DAK Energetic Limited from USA was targeted to reach 3 million pieces. “I think that Dahana could compete with foreign players. Next year we have a production target of 9 million pieces, which will still be increased until the production capacity reaches 15 million pieces of Dayaprime every year.” said Bambang Agung.

PT DAHANA (Persero)’s participation in the event which was opened by the Minister of Defense was a proof of the company’s serious commitment in supporting the independency of the country’s primary means of defense system. Hakteknas is commemorated as an appreciation to the work of the nation which spawned various technology innovation products, especially since the first flight of the N-250 airplane. The airplane which was designed by IPTN took its first flight on 10th August 1995. The peak of the commemoration will be celebrated on 27th August until 1st September 2013 at TMII.(IDR)

  ● Dahana