An Analysis of Second-Tier Arms Producing Countries' Offset Policies: Technology Transfer and Defense Industrial Base Establishment

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to determine if offsets are an effective means of second-tier countries acquiring technology and if offsets enhance their ability to establish and maintain an industrial base capable of producing high-technology weapons for use indigenously and for export. Included in the research was an analysis of factors that lead to successful or unsuccessful technology transfer through the utilization of offsets. Additionally, the research analyzed the factors that lead to the successful or unsuccessful establishment and maintenance of an indigenous defense industrial base through the utilization of offsets. The author concludes that the utilization of offsets to achieve technology transfer has not substantially improved the technology levels of the buyer's defense industrial base. Furthermore, countries that utilize offsets to establish an autarkic defense industry capable of independent production rarely succeed, while countries that utilize offsets to integrate their industry within the global arms market as a niche supplier have been successful.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA482714

Entities

People

  • Brian S. Confer

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Industry
  • Air Force
  • Commerce
  • Defense Industry
  • Defense Systems
  • Economic Development
  • European Union
  • Globalization
  • Government Procurement
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • International Trade
  • Investments
  • National Security
  • Production
  • Technology Transfer
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Economics
  • Strategic Security Studies