Boeing, PTDI Look to Expand Collaboration

CH-47 Chinook (Wiki) ☆

Boeing and Indonesia’s aerospace group PT Dirgantara (PTDI) have signed an agreement to expand industrial collaboration, it has been announced.

According to a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which was signed in the United States in late August and confirmed to Jane’s on 3 September, the two companies have agreed to “explore potential collaborative opportunities” across activities including “manufacturing technologies, certifications, and support and maintenance of vertical-lift products”.

A statement said the MOU will support the growth of Indonesia’s aerospace industry and provide new technologies to the Indonesian armed forces. Boeing and PT Dirgnatara have existing links in the commercial aerospace sector but this is their first agreement to facilitate military-industrial collaboration.

Boeing’s Southeast Asia president, Skip Boyce, said, “We see this [MOU] as an important step in support of Indonesia’s vision for current and future economic development as well as the growth of the country’s aerospace sector.”

Although not confirmed by the companies, the reference to vertical lift is thought to indicate support for Indonesia’s anticipated procurement of CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopters.

The Indonesian government has previously confirmed that it is considering the procurement of up to 10 CH-47F Chinooks for the Indonesian Army. In late 2016 Boeing confirmed that Jakarta had submitted a request for price and availability of the latest CH-47F version of the platform to the US government.

  ☠ Janes