Date of Award

3-27-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Alfred E. Thal, Jr., PhD

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.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GRD-ENV-08-M03

DTIC Accession Number

ADA482714

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