ARGENTINA. WHITE PAPER ON NATIONAL DEFENSE
 
PART VII: EQUIPMENT



CHAPTER XVII: LOGISTICS

At the highest level, logistics are a part of Defense Management and involve the activities required to provide support to the Services through adequate resources supplied in due time and place for the fulfillment of their respective missions and functions.

In Argentine doctrine, logistics derive from joint planning, which is in turn generated by strategic Defense guidelines issued by the political sphere. Logistical planning is centralized and its execution is decentralized.

The term "logistics" acquires a different level of complexity according to the command level, and also identifies organizations that deal with some resources in particular as well as logistical function groups.

Though all these activities relate to logistics in a wide sense, to facilitate their description in this document, questions related to production for Defense and the scientific-technological component are described in the two following chapters, while human and financial resources are dealt with in Parts VIII and IX.

In brief, at Defense policy level, Logistics integrate civil and military activities contributing to national strategy and establish a bridge between the Services, the national potential and the resources obtained from other countries.

This also includes national mobilization, understood as the group of provisions, measures and procedures required in order to adjust the Nation's resources to National Defense requirements.

In order to implement it, this bridge requires a legal framework, including issues such as material and human resource mobilization, reserves, production for defense and research and development.


1. Logistics policy and the Logistics Senior Board

The Logistics Senior Board (JSL) is a joint organization created in 1995 by Resolution No. 503 of the Ministry of Defense with the aim of coordinating efforts in the field of logistics and assisting the Minister of Defense in logistical policy issues.

The role of the JSL was recently strengthened through an updated set of regulations set forth in Resolution No. 460/98 of the Ministry of Defense and also because it was included, with special responsibilities, in the Armed Forces Restructuring Act.

Logistics policy criteria

The main concept is that any joint logistical activity must be the result of close coordination, whether through the joint execution of actions or through information exchanges.

The special policies encompassed by the recent Ministry resolution include:

- The consent of all the participants in the logistical area to carry out coordination activities as a means to limit deficiencies, optimize resource use and avoid effort duplication.
- Mutual support through permanent information exchange.
- Inter-service cooperation by means of their remaining logistical capabilities.
- Studies for joint undertakings.
- Standardization of logistical procedures.
- Standardization of resources which can be used by more than one Service.
- Developing a catalog of the resources based on the procedures and methods provided by the National Catalog Service

JSL activities

The Board is headed by the Ministry's Under-Secretary for Policy and Strategy. Other members are the Logistics General Director (coordinator), the JSAF Logistics Director and the officers responsible for logistics areas within each Armed Force.

The JSL is the main organization assisting the Minister in the following aspects: logistics policy development; the mechanisms to implement such policies; financial support for joint projects; national and international cooperation; joint acquisitions; Research & Development, and the promotion of joint personnel training in specialized activities.

One of the JSL's important functions is matching the mobilization requirements derived from the respective plans.

Another coordination activity is the development and updating of joint maintenance capability catalogs. Material registers are prepared in the various areas so as to allow the inter-service use of the facilities based on regional criteria.

All these initiatives are in turn related with the resource rationalization policies described in Chapter 8, Point 3.


2. Material cataloguing and standardization

Denomination, description, classification and coding are activities included in material cataloguing and, together with standardization, form one of the bases for joint logistics.

Following this criterion, more than 2000 standards have been developed for a similar number of military supplies, including administrative methods and procedures aimed at promoting equipment interoperability and decreasing procurement and maintenance costs.

These specifications are called DEF Standards, which are mandatory references in the Armed Forces and Defense organizations.

Act 19900 created the National Catalog System, the national cataloguing authority, reporting to the Ministry of Defense as enforcement authority. This system establishes a common language for material administration and the ensuing relationships between users and suppliers.

National and international cooperation

As regards standardization, on the basis of an agreement between the Ministry of Defense and the National Standardization Institute (the former Argentine Material Standardization Institute), any DEF Standard capable of being applied to private use can be turned into an IRAM-DEF standard. Thus, several standards were generated, such as Color Tables, Textile Material Tables, Sanitation Use Tables, and National Material Classification Tables.

With regard to cataloguing, Argentina has been considered by NATO as a cataloguing country for 27 years and is thus capable of assigning its own codes, which are recognized by all the member countries.

After some years of interruption, our National Catalog System (SENC) signed a sponsorship agreement with the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency in 1997, which confirmed this time-honored relationship and opened new fields for cooperation with such Organization.

After signing this agreement, SENC started to participate in AC/135 (NATO's national catalog directors group) meetings and attended those held in San Diego, Luxembourg and Brussels.

A cooperation agreement between SENC and its Brazilian counterpart was also signed in 1997, and a similar agreement was entered into with the Spanish catalog agency.

These recent instruments, together with the previous agreements signed with Germany, the Netherlands and France, constitute a significant source of exchange between the SENC and its counterparts in important countries, and, in its special field, represent an additional source of support for the regional and international projection Defense policy.


3. Equipment and infrastructure programs

Based on the transparency and confidence-building policy already mentioned, we will now describe some of the main projects under way in the area of Defense equipment and infrastructure, applicable to the various missions and functions, from specifically military ones to community support schemes.

Projects in the internal planning phase and proposals under study over which no final decisions have been reached are not included.

A4 AR Fighter Bomber Aircraft

This project contemplates the incorporation of 36 aircraft of this type, with the aim of replacing material lost in the 1982 conflict. The program implies the acquisition, overhaul and modernization of nine aircraft, to be carried out at the Lockheed plant in the US. The remaining aircraft will be produced in our country through the company Lockheed Aircraft Argentina S.A., a concessionaire of the former Córdoba Material Area. The project includes pilot courses in the US and Argentina as well as maintenance and flight simulator courses.

P-3 Aircraft

The program includes the incorporation of 4 P-3 ORION long-range exploration aircraft, which will contribute to complement naval sea control capabilities, and includes 3 aircraft to be used as a source of spares. These aircraft will be acquired via a transfer made by the US Navy under section 516 of the US Foreign Assistance Act.

UH-IH Helicopters

This program involves the transfer of 28 units from the US Army under the FMS program. 20 will be for the Army and 8 for the Navy.

S2 Aircraft upgrading

The engines and avionics of five of these units, adequate for anti-submarine operations, which belong to the Argentine Navy, are being modernized by the Israeli aviation industry. The first one has already been modified in Israel and the others are being overhauled in air naval repair shops in our country.

MEKO 140 Corvettes

This program implies the completion of the construction program in our country (by AFNE - State-owned Naval Shipyards and Plants) of this type of ships under a German license. Four units out of the initial six have already been delivered. The two remaining units (ARA "Robinson" and ARA "Gómez Roca") are scheduled to be put into service in 1999 and 2000 respectively. Ships of this type provide complementary services, mainly in national sea patrol and control tasks.

Armored vehicle modernization

These programs include wheeled armored vehicles with 90 mm guns for exploration, the optimization of the 20 mm turret M-113 and the recovery of armored vehicle transports.

Modernization of the anti-aircraft defense artillery system

This program includes the completion of fire control directors, the modernization of 35 mm guns provided with firing directors, the Roland system and the completion of the electronic warfare system.

National Air Space Surveillance and Control (Radar Acquisition) Plan

This program implies the procurement of equipment meeting the requirements of modern air navigation, the ongoing increase of air traffic and the performance of the aircraft that operate in Argentine skies.

The plan contemplates the integration, in successive stages, of long-range three-dimensional radars, primary radars for approach control and secondary single-pulse radars for route control. It also includes the modernization of the Area Control Center equipment and software.

Caleta Paula Naval Station

This project is located in the Province of Santa Cruz and is included in the development of a fishing port at this geographical spot, close to Comodoro Rivadavia.

Through an agreement between the provincial government and the Argentine Navy, the project includes the assignment of a dock sector with its support facilities. This project represents a naval support point in our long sea coast, which will contribute to fishing resource control activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone and to sea control in general. The costs of the basic work are paid by the government of Santa Cruz, including the living quarters for the personnel and their families.

Its creation was authorized by Decree No. 1360/98 of the National Executive Branch.

Ushuaia Naval Base Dock

This project includes the construction of the new military dock at Punta Observatorio.

San Julián Detachment

Decree No. 362/98 of the National Executive created the organic Detachment of Mechanized Brigade XI, based at this locality. The criterion as regards the contribution to the cost of the work by the Province of Santa Cruz is similar to that of the Caleta Paula Naval Station.


4. National mobilization

From the conceptual point of view, this activity consists in the utilization and adjustment of the Nation's capabilities to Defense requirements.

The Ministry of Defense, in compliance with the guidelines set forth in the Restructuring Act, is finalizing the consolidation of a mobilization bill that is to be addressed by CODENA (National Defense Council).

The mobilization can take place in peacetime, during conflict escalation, crisis, war, postwar or international crises, as well as during community support operations or when support is provided to friendly countries.

The mobilization includes summoning persons for Civilian Defense Services, and the indemnified requisition of personal goods or services as an extreme measure. Such actions are based on a decree of the National Executive, which will determine the mobilization policy and the approval of the Joint Military Mobilization Plan, which forms part of the National Mobilization Plan.


CHAPTER XVIII: PRODUCTION FOR DEFENSE

The policy for this field is included within the higher frame of the national economic policy aimed at the reform of the Government, which implies going from a "Businessman State" model to another model where private activity prevails within a deregulated context.

The Armed Forces Restructuring Act is encompassed within such context, proven after continuing in force for 10 years. This Act includes similar principles for future action.


1. Sector deregulation

The Government Reform undertaken by the Government of the Argentine Republic essentially represents a vast structural transformation process inserted within a legal frame aimed at efficiency and modernity.

The Government Reform and Administrative Emergency Act No. 23696 was enacted on August 18, 1989, together with a set of complementary regulations that supported the above mentioned transformation.

Within the above frame and with the involvement of different government sectors, wide powers were given to the Legislative branch as regards privatization process control. The institutional organization of the privatization process is shown in table 18-1.

Such Act not only established the privatization process but also included a certain number of companies that were declared "subject to privatization". That number was enlarged by Acts 23389 and 24045 for the sphere of the Ministry of Defense.

The program was developed taking into account National Government policies, Service requirements as regards critical military production material, and the situation of the state-owned companies.

Taking into account the mechanisms established in the law, the Ministry of Defense proceeded to exclude from its area of influence most of the companies declared "subject to privatization" by such acts.

Subsequently, complying with Executive Decree No. 464/96, the Military Factories General Directorate was transferred to the Ministry of Economy and Public Works and Services, with the following residual entities and establishments whose privatization had not yet taken place (the present situation of each is indicated):

- Río Tercero Military Factory (chemical plant in production, mechanical plant in limited production)
- San Francisco Military Factory (privatized)
- Azul Military Factory (limited production activity)
- Domingo Matheu Military Factory (dissolved and in process of being sold; its equipment were transferred to F. L. Beltrán)
- Villa María Military Factory (limited production)
- Fray Luis Beltrán Military Factory (limited production)

Companies Petroquímica General Mosconi, residual Tanque Argentino Mediano S.E. (TAMSE) and the ex Military Aircraft Factory still remain within the sector and are pending dissolution.


2. Future orientation

Section 21 of the Armed Forces Restructuring Law established the basic guidelines on production for Defense. Such guidelines shall orient future actions in this area, based on the principles that production for Defense should:

- Encourage private interest and intervention,
- Promote research of dual technologies serving Defense,
- Endeavor to achieve partnerships with other countries for such purpose,
- Study and implement actions allowing to maintain and acquire indispensable logistical capabilities which, being difficult to obtain during crises, should be permanently available within the country,
- Provide a legal frame for the control functions exercised over the activity by the Government through the Ministry of Defense. These control functions should be strongly linked to resource procurement and to science, technology and innovation for Defense. Production for Defense should also include the standards and procedures governing product exports as well as the exports and imports of supplies that will become part of our defense systems, subsystems and/or components. Standards and procedures should also be established for the procurement and/or transfer of the associated technologies.

In order to achieve the objectives underlying the above guidelines, the Ministry of Defense will develop the pertinent documents establishing the criteria and standards for the subsequent development of an Organic Act for Defense Production by the National Defense Council.


CHAPTER XIX: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

In the world scene, knowledge has become a new strategic factor. This has led to changes in the nature of military affairs and to the appearance of "soft power" as a decisive element in military operations.

A new value is thus placed on technological strategy as one of the cornerstones of Production for Defense, and on Research and Development (R&D).

R&D provides technological solutions to recognized operational needs, regardless of whether the resources are ultimately obtained locally or abroad.

Particular restructuring and modernization policies lead to the permanent need to provide a technological development capability within the country, especially with regard to those systems and materials whose international availability is normally conditioned and which are difficult to obtain in crisis situations - especially now, when crises always come about suddenly.


1. The National scientific and technological reorganization

The perception of these new characteristics and demands of the modern world has resulted in a reorganization of the national spectrum in this area, within the frame of the structural transformation and modernization of the Argentine Government.

The Scientific and Technological Center (GACTEC)

The GACTEC was created by Decree No. 1723/96 of the Executive, within the area of the Presidential Chief of Staff, who chairs this center.

GACTEC's objective is to make decisions on the policies, priorities and on budget resource allocations for the national public sector science and technology areas in order to contribute to economic growth, public welfare, education and public health improvement, environmental protection and to guarantee the National Defense.

Its permanent members are listed below:

- The Minister of Education
- The Minister of Economy
- The Minister of Health and Social Welfare
- The Foreign Minister
- The Minister of Defense
- The Secretary of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
- The Secretary of Strategic Control of the Presidential Chief of Staff's Office (President of the Executive Committee)
- The Secretary of Science and Technology of the Ministry of Culture and Education (executive secretary)

The decree establishes that GACTEC shall receive the advice of a Consultative Committee formed by personalities of the business and scientific-technological sectors of the country, working on an ad honorem basis.

GACTEC's functions comprise the following:

* Approving the National Multiannual Science and Technology Plan and its yearly revision.
* Defining the annual revenues and expenditures budget for science and technology to be incorporated into the National Budget Bill.
* Defining the Public Investment Program for such areas, to be incorporated into the National Public Investment Plan.
* Proposing policies to promote the private sector's involvement in scientific and technological development.
* Proposing guidelines for international cooperation policies in this sphere, especially those linked to regional integration processes and to the development of strategic technologies.
* Determining major priority areas for research as to medium and long term strategic definition, with special reference to the ongoing improvement of:

- Education
- Health
- Environmental Protection
- National Defense
- The productive sector

An Executive Committee formed by representatives of the jurisdictions whose Ministers are permanent members has been set up to follow up the actions of this plan.


2. The structure of science and technology for Defense

The Ministry of Defense is a member of the GACTEC, being represented by the Under-Secretary of Policy and Strategy as an alternate member replacing the Minister and as a member of the Executive Committee.

The following organizations are available within the Defense sphere:

- The structure of the Ministry, according to the responsibility and task distribution established by the regulations in force.
- Other organizations within the jurisdiction whose tasks include R&D: The National Antarctic Directorate, the Military Geographic Institute, the National Meteorology Service, the Air Force University Institute, the Naval Hydrography Service and the Naval Research and Development Service.
- The Armed Forces Scientific and Technical Research Institute (CITEFA), the main organization executing R&D activities for Defense.
- Over 580 scientists and technicians managed by the Ministry of Defense under the Armed Forces R&D Personnel Regime (Decree No. 1324/68).
- Armed Forces' specialized military personnel with specific academic and technological training, able to contribute to all phases of Defense procurement processes.

Table 19-1 shows a comparison between investments in Science and Technology for Defense and in other national spheres.
TABLE 19-1 - EXPENDITURES IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DURING 1997

 

ORGANIZATION

1997 BUDGET

(Millions of $)

PERSONNEL EXPENDITURES

(%)

RESEARCHERS

National Universities

123.8

92.0

9896

SECYT

Science and Technology Office

6.8

5.3

  
Science and Technology Promotion Agency

53.4

    
CONICET

National Scientific and Technical Research Center

198.3

73.7

3150
CNEA

National Atomic Energy Commission

113.3

51.4

536
INTA

National Agribusiness Technology Institute

128.4

80.8

1019
INTI

National Industrial Technology Institute

34.2

56.8

514
SEGEMAR

Argentine Geology Mining Service

20.3

66.4

100
INA (former INCYTH)

National Water and Environment Institute

15.1

56.7

107
CONAE

National Command for Space Activities

22.5

28.5

65
Argentine Antarctic Plan

11.3

55.7

---
CITEFA

Armed Forces Scientific and Technical Research Institute

15.2

77.4

112
ANLIS

National Health Laboratories and Institutes

28.2

55.6

70
INIDEP

National Fishing R&D Institute

11.6

73.9

106
TOTAL

782.4

  

15675
Source: National Multiannual Plan 1998-2000


3. The Armed Forces Scientific and Technical Research Institute (CITEFA)

It is the only joint organization dedicated to scientific and technological activities and to research and development to meet National Defense requirements. Its purpose is to maintain our military potential in permanent evolution.

At present, the Institute occupies 16 hectares with facilities covering 23,000 m2. Its main job is to produce studies and developments required by the Armed Forces with the approval of the Ministry of Defense, and to maintain, update and enhance its own capabilities in the field of military technology in order to meet future requirements.

CITEFA not only promotes technology acquisition but also contributes to the exercise of efficient controls over undue technology proliferation by providing advisory services to the committee created by Decree No. 603/82, already described in Chapter 6.

Research and Development fields

The main fields of knowledge in which CITEFA develops its R&D capabilities, within the frame of the international commitments undertaken by Argentina, are classified as follows:

- Conventional weapons
- Electronics, Optical Electronics and Communications
- Solid state physics, lasers and their applications
- Applied chemistry
- New materials technology
- Toxicology, pests and pesticides (only cooperation for the private sector).

Prototypes developed by CITEFA have gone into the production stage and many of them are being used by the Armed Forces.

Some of the main projects successfully completed include different types of surface to surface rockets with their multiple launchers, anti-tank missile systems, various types of guns, artillery and mortar ammunition, night vision systems, laser telemeters, air to surface rockets and missiles, upgrading of foreign weapon systems, simulators and extension of missile life.


4. National Defense in the National Science and Technology Multiannual Plan 1998-2000

This plan has two main objectives. The first one is to continue with the transformation of CITEFA's organization and operations with the aim of increasing applied research efforts in areas of military and dual nature. The second is to keep up the commitment to maintain and update human and technological capabilities in the areas, laboratories and disciplines defined by the Ministry of Defense as being of special interest for the Armed Forces.

The plan contemplates the promotion and enhancement of our integration with Mercosur countries in the area of Defense research and development through joint projects, particularly with Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.

In-depth work will be carried out to define the actions required to increase knowledge and technology transfers to the private industry. New companies and small and medium-sized industries will be created to this end, coupled with training programs executed jointly with more developed countries in order to incorporate know-how and advanced


5. Cooperation in the national sphere

Science and Technology activities for Defense, mainly concentrated in CITEFA, are also related with other institutions, both governmental and private.

In line with the new policies applied in the area, the "Constituyentes Technological Complex" was recently created. The National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), the National Industrial Technology Institute (INTI), the Argentine Geology Mining Service (SEGEMAR), the National University of San Martín and CITEFA form it. This Complex was based on a Scientific, Academic and Technical Cooperation Agreement signed within the frame of the GACTEC. The agreement coordinates the various common activities, and services such as technology transfer, training, search for financing, contracts and licensing are exchanged between the institutions involved and their social and productive environment.

Other exchanges include joint works with other organizations such as Applied Research (INVAP), the National Antarctic Directorate and the National Mining Technology Institute (INTEMIN).

Various activities are carried out in the joint centers CITEFA/National Scientific and Technical Research Center (CONICET). Such activities are oriented towards dual issues related with National Defense in the military or civilian area and are applicable to industry, health and agriculture and livestock.

These activities are related to the Laser, Optical Electronics, Microelectronics, Sensors, Corrosion, Toxicology and Pests and Pesticides areas.

Similarly, many subjects addressed in several of CITEFA's scientific and technical areas to carry out Defense-related tasks are associated in varying degrees with environmental aspects or provide significant support to the study of this issue and its relationship with private activity.

In the toxicology field, the Pest and Pesticide Research Center (CEIPEIN) carries out chemical, biochemical and biological studies related with pesticides and with their action and toxicity on different insect pest species.

In addition to studying phenomena related to laser instability and developing power lasers, the Center for Laser Research and Uses (CEILAP) develops remote sensing and detection systems to determine parameters and atmospheric contaminants.

The Center for Corrosion Research (CEICOR) carries out atmospheric and microbiological corrosion studies and investigates corrosion inhibitors.

The Solids Research Program (PRINSO) is engaged in studying solid electrolytes for cathodes and semi-conductor materials used for infrared radiation detection that can be applied to the development of sensors for environmental applications.

R&D contributions are also made to other national sectors, such as a hail control space project based on satellite information, the development of irradiating systems for satellite antennas and tests involving metal exposure to the Antarctic environment.

Together with the San Martín National University and with the involvement of its researchers as teachers, CITEFA gives Master courses on "Chemical Emergencies" and "Pests and Pesticides". It has also signed cooperation agreements with other university academic centers.

Cooperation activities are also developed with the National Airspace Commission within the frame of the National Space Plan and in areas related with the Missile Technology Control Regime.


6. Possibilities for international cooperation

The National Science and Technology Multiannual Plan is oriented both towards developed countries and to countries located in our region.

Thus, a frame agreement on technology exchange in areas of mutual interest was signed between the Ministry of Defense of our country and the US Secretary of Defense.

On the other hand, CITEFA has entered into exchange agreements with the Brazilian Ordnance Industries and with the Uruguayan Army, while agreements with other countries, related with other subjects such as the environment, are being negotiated.

Furthermore, within the non-proliferation policy mentioned in Chapter 6, CITEFA's applied chemistry laboratory participates in the series of international inter-laboratory comparison tests (Round Robin Tests) of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.


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