Thales has signed a joint venture deal with Jakartan firm PT Len Industri to address the air surveillance requirements of the Indonesian Air Force.
The two companies will be launching a Centre of Excellence to develop radars and command and control systems, eventually helping the venture launch a national Air Operations Centre.
The partnership is also expected to eventually delve into other military capabilities, including C4ISR, military satellites, electronic warfare, national data links, and national combat management systems.
Other related services for the program such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities will be carried out at PT Len’s site in Subang, western Indonesia.
Thales International President and CEO Pascale Sourisse highlighted the importance of establishing the company’s presence in Indonesia in its defense posture.
“This joint venture will bring the best of both worlds, from Thales’ technological expertise, to PT LEN’s acumen and knowledge of local defence needs and challenges of our Indonesian end users,” Sourisse said.
Indonesia’s Air Capabilities
Indonesia has been on a “weapon-buying spree” in recent years to boost its air defense posture.
In 2023, the country ordered 13 Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range military radars from Thales to bolster its airspace surveillance efforts across the archipelago.
It also received eight Airbus H225M helicopters the same year to support the air force’s transport missions. The aircraft were assembled by local aerospace group PT Dirgantara Indonesia.
Jakarta is also currently offering some of its capabilities to allied countries. In January, President Joko Widodo offered to sell some of the nation’s anti-submarine aircraft to the Philippines amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
