Saab Group To Establish Saab Indonesia’s Strategic Partnership With Indonesia’s Defense Industry

Saab Vice President, Peter Carlqvist, who serves as the Head of Saab Indonesia, said Saab’s business model fits with Indonesia’s technology demands. (Photo courtesy of SAAB Indonesia).⚓️

The Swedish cutting edge aerospace and defence company has announced its expansion in Indonesia by establishing its Representative Office within the heart of the country since last year.

Saab Vice President, Peter Carlqvist, who serves as the Head of Saab Indonesia, said that Indonesia is one of the fastest growing economies in South East Asia and requires new capabilities and technologies in the defence sector.

“Since Indonesia is an important market in the Southeast Asia region, Saab’s business model fits the country’s current demand in which we will offer high-tech system solution products,” said Peter during a conversation at Saab’s Representative office in Indonesia.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading solutions, products and services ranging from military defence to civil security. Known for its iconic multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA), Gripen, and its long history of sophisticated naval combat systems, the company will participate in the upcoming Indo Defence Expo, which will be held from 5-8 November 2014 at the Jakarta International Expo (PRJ) Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia.

“The audience will be able to see Saab’s high end products. We will definitely bring our most qualified products that are suitable for Indonesia. Besides bringing our naval combat system, the Gripen Simulator is one of the highlights, which is a replica of the cockpit with full 3D screen,” Peter said.

The Gripen brings the latest technology enabling unchallenged net-centric combat performance combined with being from the start designed to break the cost curve for both acquisition and operation, i.e. very low Life-Cycle-Cost in comparison to equally well performing multi-role fighter aircraft. “To operate a Gripen, it only costs $4700 per hour, while operating a large twin engine fighter like a Sukhoi can cost up to 10 times more,” Peter explained. “With that comparison, if chosen the Gripen, Indonesia can afford to buy a lot more high tech aircraft.”

Saab itself has long experience in providing the Gripen to other air forces such Czech, Hungarian, South African, Thai and ETPS (Empire Test Pilot School) UK. Saab is confident that the Gripen will also suit Indonesia’s current needs of advanced defense solutions.

The Indo Defence Expo 2014 is not the only agenda for the Company. In relation to the new President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, Saab is also looking to establish strategic partnerships with local universities, industries, and certainly the new Indonesian government.

Saab has been supporting substantial amounts of technological transfer throughout countries around the world by applying the triple helix model for innovation, and believes it is perfect timing to introduce that concept in Indonesia.

Peter stated that the triple helix model emphasizes on the close collaboration between academia, industries, and governments, to seek further innovation in technology. He described the process on how university students conducted research in certain technology areas with the active evaluation from the government. Once a research is believed to have strong values, the government will fund the project in cooperation with the industry.

“It’s important that the President understands the importance of creating high-tech jobs in Indonesia, not only limited for military, but also other industries that requires advanced technological skills.

Those skilled workers need to be paid well, otherwise, they will keep continuing to seek overseas jobs.

Through technology transfer, we hope to provide interesting high-tech jobs for the country,” he said.

Less than a year in, Saab has already taken a significant part in establishing its business presence in Indonesia throughout various partnerships that have been conducted with institutions such as PT. Lundin, PT. Len, PT. Dirgantara, PT. Pal and PT. Pindad.

In addition to the strategic partnerships, Saab has also provided 50 scholarships to Indonesia as a part of its commitment to the country. Selected students and professionals will be sent to Sweden and received the best education and training before sending them back to Indonesia.

“We will not only deliver products to Indonesia, but we will also deliver education, together with aircraft system, the necessary tools through life support, logistic supply, and much more. We will establish training schools, maintenance facilities, as well as connecting Indonesia with the global corporation. This will be very beneficial for Indonesia,” said Peter.

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