31 March 2021

Japan, Indonesia sign defence trade deal

by Jon Grevatt

Japan and Indonesia have finalised an accord to facilitate defence trade and related defence industrial collaboration.

The Defense Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement was signed in Tokyo on 30 March by the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers.

The agreement is aimed at supporting Japanese defence exports to the Southeast Asian country and boosting regional security amid growing concerns about Chinese assertiveness.

Japan and Indonesia have signed a deal to co-operate on joint defence projects that could include Japan’s 30FFM-class frigate (pictured). (Mitsui E & S)

Details about potential platforms for sale were not revealed but Japan’s Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi indicated that talks on such capabilities would start soon. Official statements indicated that such capabilities would be geared towards supporting maritime security.

Indonesian defence minister Prabowo Subianto also said that the agreement would support defence industrial co-operation between the two countries and Indonesia’s efforts to modernise its armed forces.

Japan and Indonesia have been discussing the equipment and technology agreement for several years and in late 2020 the accord was agreed in principle by the two sides to facilitate collaboration on maritime-security capabilities including frigates and other surface combatants.

In late 2020 representatives from Japan’s naval shipbuilders – including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) – also held talks with counterparts from Indonesia with a view to pursuing such joint projects for the Indonesian Navy.

Janes understands that a platform that has been discussed as a potential joint project is Japan’s 30FFM-class frigate, which is being built for the Japan Maritime Self‐Defence Force (JMSDF) by MHI and Mitsui. In a separate agreement announced on 29 March, MHI agreed to take over Mitsui. This acquisition will be finalised later this year.

Japan and Indonesia have finalised an accord to facilitate defence trade and related defence industr...

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