RI, China solidify C-705 missile technology transfer mechanism

Beijing - Indonesia and China are continuing discussions on the transfer of technology for the joint development of the C-705 missile, which will be used by the Indonesian Navy.

The defense attache of the Indonesian embassy here, Col Lek Suryomargono, said on Tuesday that the technology transfer was one of the key requirements for Indonesia with regard to arms procurement, including the development of the C-705 missile.

"The Chinese government has agreed to conduct a technology transfer under the earlier process of manufacturing and the agreement is now being strengthened so that Indonesia will eventually be able to produce them (the missile) by itself," he pointed out.

Suryomargono said the purchase of the C-705 is part of the two countries` defense industry agreement, put in the memorandum of understanding signed by the Indonesian Deputy Minister of Defense and head of China`s National Defense Industry and Technology Development Agency.

The agreement states that the procurement of certain weapons must be based on a government-to-government basis and that a technology transfer for such equipment must cover assembling, testing, maintenance, modification, upgrading and training.

"It also states about joint production and joint marketing for certain agreed arms products, including C-705 missiles," he said.

Regarding which agency would carry out the technology transfer for Indonesia, Suryomargono said: "We have not yet decided: It could be PT Dirgantara Indonesia, PT Pindad or PT PAL. What is clear is that the Chinese government has agreed to conduct a technology transfer and the mechanism of the process is now being solidified," he said.

Indonesia`s Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro had visited the China Precision Machinery Import Export Corporation (CPMEIC), which is responsible for the C-705 manufacturing project, in February. It is following that visit that the two countries are exploring the possibility of setting up a plant to produce C-705 missile in Indonesia.(*)

  ● Antara