Exclusive Interview: Heidi Grant, President, Business Development, Boeing Defence, Space & Security and Boeing Global Services

Boeing Defence, Space & Security is looking to build on the success of its AH-64E Apache helicopter programme in Indonesia with a potential sale of the F-15EX. “If the F-15EX is selected, Boeing is dedicated to delivering offset projects that support Indonesia’s national defence policy and its industrial priorities aligned with Vision 2045,” Heidi Grant, President, Business Development, Boeing Defence, Space & Security and Boeing Global Services tells Atul Chandra in an exclusive interview prior to the start of Indo Defence 2022. “We are actively working with local industry and Indonesia’s offset authorities to explore opportunities to strengthen defence industrial cooperation,” Grant adds.
Edited Excerpts from the Interview.

Please elaborate on Boeing’s presence in Indonesia?
A: Boeing and Indonesia have worked in partnership for over 73 years. Our engagement with Indonesia has grown to encompass commercial aviation, defence, space, supply chain, and academia partnerships. We remain committed to supporting Indonesia through multiple programmes and services that advance national security priorities, grow economic development and build stronger communities.

Indonesia is one of our highest priority markets, which is why we opened a new office in Jakarta last year. Boeing sees a strong need in Indonesia and across the region for our defence products due to the continued focus on fleet modernization needs. Indonesia's defence spending is expected to remain on an upwards trend.

Today, the Indonesian Army operates the AH-64E Apache, the most advanced, combat-proven attack helicopter ever to enter production. We have also delivered our ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System. Boeing is currently building a satellite for Indonesian operator PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), which will contribute significant capacity to the Ministry of Communications & BAKTI initiatives to expand connectivity through Indonesia. This “Hot Backup Satellite” is in production and will be delivered in 2023.

Since 2005, we’re proud to have provided $7.9M in charitable contributions with a focus on COVID-19 relief efforts, sustainability, workforce preparation, health and wellness, early education, fight against hunger and other humanitarian efforts. We also work with Indonesia’s leading universities, including UGM, ITB and UNS, for sharing knowledge and conducting lectures.

Please provide an update on Indonesia’s Apache fleet?

Boeing received a contract to build Apache helicopters for Indonesia in 2015 and has completed all deliveries by 2018. We continue to provide close support to Indonesia to ensure fleet readiness and to ensure aircrews are trained. As both acquisition and sustainment of Indonesia’s Apache helicopters are being managed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales, we will defer to the U.S. or Indonesian governments. We also look forward to collaborating on industry development opportunities if Indonesia were to select the F-15EX.

What are the latest developments related to the F-15EX and Indonesian interest in the type?

Boeing is pleased that the Republic of Indonesia is evaluating the F-15 Eagle to meet its evolving needs now and into the future. Building on the F-15’s unrivalled combination of payload, range and speed, we’re ready to provide the Indonesian Air Force with F-15 combat aircraft equipped with next-generation technologies that improve mission effectiveness and survivability across broad-spectrum environments.

We are also committed to working with Indonesia to strengthen its defence and local industries through industrial cooperation. We defer to the U.S. and Indonesian governments for any additional comment.

What are the emerging and existing upgrade opportunities that are of interest to Boeing?

We’re excited to be at Indo Defence this week where we are showcasing our advanced capabilities including the F-15EX for Indonesia. We see strong opportunities across Southeast Asia for fleet modernization, aerospace and defence cooperation, maritime security, and capabilities supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

For example, Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter would be the perfect solution for Indonesia to support combat operations and the many humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions that occur throughout the Indonesian Archipelago. With more than 950 aircraft worldwide, the Chinook is battle-tested and will continue to serve as the backbone of combat, logistics and humanitarian missions for customers around the globe.

Boeing's Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) and P-8 aircraft solutions encompass long-range maritime reconnaissance capability. In the space domain, we also look forward to opportunities to provide next-generation satellite communications capabilities, enabling customers in Indonesia to adjust capacity allocation to meet their evolving connectivity and service needs. Our 702X series was developed to provide customers unmatched flexibility. Using innovative manufacturing practices to simplify and reduce complexity, the 702X is already in production and can be delivered with schedule certainty and low risk. Boeing has extensive history of delivering satellites for government and commercial customers worldwide with over 300 total delivered.

What makes the P-8 well-suited to meeting Indonesian needs for an MPA?

The P-8 is a true Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) offering surveillance and reconnaissance, long-range anti-submarine warfare capabilities and search and rescue. The P-8 is the most capable multi-mission aircraft deployed globally, protecting seas and securing borders. Deployed around the world, with over 153 aircraft in service, and over 450,000 collective mishap free flight-hours. P-8 customers include the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Air Force, the Indian Navy, the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and Norway. First deliveries to New Zealand, Korea and Germany will take place in 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. The P-8 is a complete, affordable solution: Unbeatable in-line production and supply chain advantages, 737 and military systems training, and world-wide sustainment. Available space and cooling allow for mission needs of the future.

What role has Boeing played in development of Indonesian vendors in the aerospace industry?

Boeing continues to support the development of aerospace and defence industries in Indonesia. Indonesian suppliers in Boeing’s supply chain provide structural wing components for 747, composite flight deck lining for 787 interiors, machined parts for commercial actuation, and flight control systems for multiple programmes.

If the F-15EX is selected, Boeing is dedicated to delivering offset projects that support Indonesia’s national defence policy and its industrial priorities aligned with Vision 2045. We are actively working with local industry and Indonesia’s offset authorities to explore opportunities to strengthen defence industrial cooperation and Indonesia’s local aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

What are some of the global developments at Boeing that will be of interest in the region?

Boeing’s mission is to deliver the most digitally advanced, simply and efficiently produced, and intelligently supported solutions to global customers. We believe we can unlock new value for our customers by being better at how we design, build and support.

We are advancing and deploying the technology, tools and talent necessary to create a truly digital value stream from requirements definition to retirement; a production system that’s digital, scalable, modular and platform-independent; and open systems software development that enables the rapid insertion of capabilities and improvements to new and existing products.

Boeing’s first century was largely defined by its innovative aerospace products – “what we built”. Our second century is all about innovating “how we build” and delivering the capabilities customers need to meet their strategic and tactical mission objectives. By digitally transforming how we design, build, test, field and support our solutions, we are providing our customers with the speed, flexibility and predictability that they need to stay ahead of future threats.