Indonesian company PT Len Industri orders 13 Ground Master 400 Alpha radars from Thales.

On June 19, 2023, at the Paris Air Show, the French company Thales, along with PT Len Industri, an Indonesian defense company, announced a collaboration to reinforce Indonesia's protection of its airspace with 13 Ground Master 400 Aplha radars.
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As part of the agreement, PT Len has placed an order for 13 Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range air surveillance radars, accompanied by the SkyView Command and Control system (Picture source: Thales)

Thales introduced the GM400 Alpha radar, a highly advanced 3D long-range air surveillance system. With enhanced processing power, extended range of up to 515 km, and advanced AI capabilities. The radar's digital stacked beam technology enables it to identify and track targets at various altitudes. Thales plans to upgrade existing GM400 systems, ensuring resilience against emerging threats and improving detection range through advanced data analysis algorithms.

As part of the agreement, PT Len has placed an order for 13 Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range air surveillance radars, accompanied by the SkyView Command and Control system. These state-of-the-art radar systems will create a comprehensive bubble of airspace protection across the Indonesian archipelago. The installation of this advanced airspace protection system will enable Indonesia's armed forces to detect and track various types of threats, including jets, missiles, helicopters, and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), facilitating early threat identification.

The collaboration also involves the transfer of production for certain radar components to PT Len. This strategic move aims to enhance PT Len's radar expertise, positioning the company as the radar center of excellence in Indonesia. This development will not only strengthen the nation's defense capabilities but also contribute to the growth of the local defense industry.

To complement the radar systems, the SkyView Command and Control system will be deployed. This comprehensive solution covers vast geographical areas and integrates Indonesian Air Operation Centres at local, regional, and national levels. SkyView presents an accurate 360° air surveillance picture, facilitated by the deployment of the combat-proven Ground Master (GM) 400 Alpha tactical radars. Once an air threat is detected and identified, the appropriate response can be selected and executed promptly.

The contract between Thales and PT Len spans several years. Thales will undertake the production of the radars and Command and Control solution, while PT Len will be responsible for constructing the radar stations, system installation, and integration, including civil works management. Additionally, PT Len will manufacture specific radar components locally, contributing to the development of indigenous defense capabilities in Indonesia.

This landmark agreement further strengthens the strategic partnership between PT Len and Thales. In November 2022, the two companies announced the creation of a joint venture focused on local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities for radars currently in service with the Indonesian Air Force. The joint venture is set to commence operations in early 2024 and will explore further collaboration in areas such as radars, Command and Control systems, military satellites, and Combat Management Systems.

Indonesia, with the acquisition of the Ground Master 400 Alpha, is improving and modernizing its air defense system. It already had the Ground Master 400, but those had a shorter range (470km for GM400, 510km for GM400α) and five times less processing power. Combined with the acquisition of the SkyView Command and Control system, this represents an interesting development in the protection of Indonesian airspace.

Defense News June 2023