Boyko Nikolov – In 2021, Indonesia formally requested 48 F-35 fighter jets from the United States. This deal, which received approval from the US State Department, is valued at around $14 billion. Indonesia's goal is clear: to modernize its air force and boost military readiness by adding the F-35s.
However, the acquisition process is still ongoing, with the final deal tied to funding and meeting specific conditions. In 2022, Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding with Lockheed Martin to kickstart preparations for the aircraft delivery. The first batch of these fighters is expected to arrive by early 2026.
Despite these advancements, local experts in Jakarta have raised concerns about the deal's feasibility, particularly around confidentiality. According to CNBC, the F-35's software grants the Pentagon a unique capability to monitor these aircraft even when deployed by other nations, including US allies. This monitoring is enabled by the embedded data and support systems, specifically through the Autonomic Logistics Information System [ALIS] and its upgraded version, the Operational Data Integrated Network [ODIN].
The F-35's systems gather and transmit real-time data on operations, technical status, and maintenance, creating a constant link to data centers potentially based in the United States. This connectivity allows the Pentagon to keep an eye on the aircraft's condition, usage patterns, and any emerging issues or maintenance needs.
With such significant oversight over the management and operations of these fighters, some U.S. allies have voiced concerns about their autonomy in managing the F-35s they procure. There's a worry that this software could enable the U.S. to exert influence over or even restrict their military activities.
Indonesia, for instance, has flagged substantial concerns regarding the F-35, particularly focusing on the Autonomous Logistics Information System [ALIS] and the newer Integrated Operational Data Network [ODIN]. Although these systems enhance data sharing and streamline operational management, they have also stirred national security worries in Jakarta.
Officials have raised alarms that real-time data transmission capabilities might let foreign entities, especially the US military, tap into sensitive information about Indonesia's defense activities and resources.
Deputy Defense Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono emphasized that these issues are under careful review as Indonesia progresses with its F-35 procurement plans. While the F-35 offers state-of-the-art technology and formidable combat capabilities, the potential risks of data sharing could influence decision-making processes. As the Indonesian government weighs the consequences of integrating this system into its military, officials have underscored their dedication to safeguarding national interests.
Indonesia isn't alone in these concerns. Japan has also voiced apprehensions about the ALIS system's data-sharing capabilities, fearing that it might allow the US to access sensitive information about Japan's military operations. Since 2020, Japan has been notably cautious about how data is relayed to both the US and Lockheed Martin.
Similar concerns have been echoed by South Korean officials, who are worried that the ALIS system might expose operational details to the US, compromising their national security. Australia also highlighted some inconveniences with data sharing within ALIS and its potential impact on operational independence. Australian military leaders expressed doubts about maintaining the security of their data while using the F-35.
Interestingly, the US has claimed that ODIN, the successor to ALIS, will address these issues. Brigadier General Eric Fick, F-35 program executive officer, mentioned that the transition from ALIS to ODIN aims to tackle these data security concerns, proposing that ODIN will enhance data security and support operational efficiency.
However, this response did not satisfy all experts overseeing the program. Dan Grazier, for instance, noted that ODIN might inherit many of ALIS's cybersecurity vulnerabilities, particularly because it will operate in a cloud environment. Congressman John Garamendi also questioned whether ODIN was merely a rebranding of ALIS without solving the fundamental issues.
What Indonesia often overlooks is that Lockheed Martin's F-35 isn't unique in its capability to monitor the technical status of aircraft globally. BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo perform similar functions for the Eurofighter Typhoon with their System for Technical Monitoring. Similarly, Dassault leverages the Aircraft Health Management System [AHMS] for Rafales, SAAB utilizes the Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) for Gripens, and the Indian HAL oversees the Tejas with its Health Monitoring System. Even the Chinese Aviation Industry employs a Health Monitoring System for their J-10 and JF-17 aircraft.
Indonesia's concern likely isn't about the F-35's software capabilities, but rather the geopolitical implications. The worry is that tomorrow's sensitive data could fall into the hands of an ally-turned-adversary – a nation that the U.S. decides to support. In essence, it's a question of how autonomous national security remains when another entity possesses detailed knowledge of its systems.
Source: https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/09/22/indonesia-troubled-by-f-35s-and-real-time-data-transmission