Marsda Budhi Achmadi: Iran's Missile City Is a Lesson in Defense Independence

JAKARTA - The Assistant Strategy (Asstra) of the TNI Commander, Major General (Marsda) TNI Dr. Budhi Achmadi, assessed that the existence of Iran's Missile City provided an important lesson for Indonesia in building defense industry independence.

According to Budhi, the network of Iranian underground missile facilities is not only a symbol of military power. More than that, Missile City shows how a country builds resilience through the mastery of technology, defense industry, and human resources.

"Missile City is not only a symbol of Iran's military power, but also a representation of a nation's long journey in building national capacity," Budhi said in his writing, which was received on Monday, June 1.

He explained that Iran was building that ability amid long-term pressure since the late 1970s. The country faced an embargo, technology restrictions, and economic sanctions. This condition makes Iran unable to continue to rely on arms supplies from abroad.

Budhi said that such a situation is known as enforced autonomy. This means that independence is born because of pressure. The state is forced to build its own capabilities because access from outside is increasingly limited.

In the case of Iran, the process is gradual. Starting from the maintenance and modification of existing equipment. Then continue to produce components, mastery of manufacturing, construction of research centers, to the development of their own weapons systems.

Budhi assessed that the experience was relevant for Indonesia. As a large country with a vast territory and a strategic geopolitical position, Indonesia needs defense capabilities that are not entirely dependent on other countries.

Defense independence is not just about being able to make alutsista. Equally important is the ability to maintain operations, provide spare parts, master critical technologies, and reduce risks in the event of global turmoil.

"The development of national technology does not need to wait for a crisis situation," he said.

The two-star general said Indonesia still had room to build planned self-sufficiency. The way is through investment in research, innovation, education, universities, research institutions, manufacturing industries, and consistent state policies.

He emphasized that the defense industry cannot grow by simply buying weapons from abroad. The purchase of military equipment can indeed meet the needs quickly. However, without technology transfer and an industrial ecosystem, dependence will continue to recur.

Budhi also highlighted the changing nature of modern warfare. According to him, military effectiveness is no longer always determined by expensive weapons. Drones, missiles, precision systems, cyber technology, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems are increasingly decisive.

Iran's experience shows that a relatively cheaper system can have a major strategic impact if it is developed consistently.

For Indonesia, these sectors can be an opportunity. The development of drones, sensing systems, cyber technology, and artificial intelligence not only strengthens defense, but also encourages national technology industries.

However, Budhi reminded that the main foundation is still human. There is no technology without scientists. There is no innovation without researchers. There is no strategic industry without strong engineers and professional personnel.

Therefore, he assessed that Indonesia's demographic bonus should be directed to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and innovation. Universities, research institutions, industries, and strategic institutions of the country must move in one ecosystem.

According to Budhi, the main lesson from Iran's Missile City is not in its bunkers or missiles. The most important lesson is consistency in building national capabilities in the long term.

He said Indonesia had a great opportunity to lead to Indonesia Emas 2045 if it was able to strengthen the defense industry, master strategic technology, and build superior human resources.

"From Iran's Missile City, the lesson to be learned is not about the shape of its weapons, but the determination of a nation in building its own capabilities," said Budhi.