Introduction
The Drackonisian Arms Technology Agency (DATA) is a statutory board set up under the Drackonisian Ministry of Defence (MOD). It is responsible for implementing defence technology plans, acquiring defence material and developing defence infrastructure for MOD.
DATA aims to provide leading-edge technological solutions to the Drackonisian Armed Forces (DAF) so that it continues to be a formidable fighting force for the defence and security of the republic. To do so, DATA will tap the best technologies be it military and commercial and foster an environment of creativity and innovation for defence applications. DATA has over the years, built up a strong community of scientists and engineers from the universities, research institutes, government and industry to meet the defence and security needs of the nation.
DATA's product line now consists of a large and varied product line, ranging from warplanes, warships and land assets to widen its range and fulfill every conceivable need a client may require. DATA offers an extensive life-cycle sustainment support of its products, ensuring its customers of their purchased good's operational lifespan.
DATA manages the acquisition of weapon systems, command control, communications and computer (C4) systems and building infrastructure that would develop and sustain the DAF's operational capabilities. Our programme managers deliver capabilities to our customers with through-life support in a cost-effective manner, looking at user requirements from conception to retirement of systems.
We also provide engineering support to the DAF in maintaining its high state of operational readiness at all times. The responsibilities include management of the maintenance of in-service systems, upgrading of systems and equipment for life extension, engineering support to ensure a high level of safety of munitions and safe disposal of munitions. This area covers weapon systems, command and control systems, communication systems, IT networks and infrastructure, as well as building installation and facilities. Our engineers ensure that these equipment and weapon systems are well-maintained, operationally ready and supportable at low life-cycle costs. We identify their in-service maintenance and defect problems, and carry out technical investigations and analysis of the causes. We propose cost-effective solutions in the areas of performances, reliability, maintainability and supportability. DATA also review the need for upgrade, replacement or retirement of in-service weapon systems.
In the area of logistics support, DATA operates the DAF's supply chain. Through achieving good codification date with the supplier part number, DATA is able to carry out timely purchase of the right parts, at the right quantity and at the best price on the open market. This contributes to significant cost-savings, with regard to the purchase of spare parts during the service life of our systems.
DATA brings in cutting-edge technologies to continuously sharpen the technological edge of the DAF. We also look at enabling technologies for developing advanced systems that would transform the DAF into a third generation armed forces. We promote and nurture the development of defence science and technology capabilities locally.
Life cycle sustainment support for all products are currently provided by DATA using many different processes to deliver both services and materials. Engineering/technical support can be performed by multiple private contractors. Maintenance, overhaul, and repair is achieved through a complicated structure of organic shops that depend on the commercial sector for parts and other government agencies for technical guidance and funding. The production contractor and government supply system acquire and provide parts for initial provisioning, production, modification, repair (field and depot), overhaul, and war reserves. The current support infrastructure limits opportunity to allow a coordinated effort to achieve cost-reduction, implement best-business practices, improve weapon system performance, and modernize equipment.
