Rare earth metals utilization opportunities in the development of Indonesia defense industry technology

Abstract

Industrial technology developments that entered the era of 4.0, other than to utilize the development of technology which based on the internet of things, big data, artificial intelligence, cloud, etc., also need to be supported by advanced material technology capabilities, namely rare earth metals. In the defense industry, rare earth metals used in defense and security equipment such as military vehicle coating materials that are able to dodge or absorb waves of enemy radar detection, jet engine components of aircraft fighter, missile weapons systems, electronic components, subsea detectors, satellite devices and material for radar, etc. This research was conducted through literature review and using the SWOT analysis method on the opportunities for the use of rare-earth metals in Indonesia defense industry products. The data used are secondary data, which includes data on the distribution of rare earth metals in Indonesia and the specifications of the use of rare-earth metals in the defense industry. Based on the defense requirements for defense products and the percentage of rare earth metals content in the territory of Indonesia, one of the opportunities for the use of rare-earth metals for defense industry products is in the application of anti-radar layers.