Thales France Builds The Indonesian Earth Observation, Partners with LEN Industri

MILITARY - JAKARTA. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between the French Thales Group (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has officially signed a multi-mission contract with PT Len Industri Indonesia to build a radar monitoring system operations center in Indonesia. 

The statement written by Thales Group released on December 7, 2023, states that this project is specifically built for the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. This collaboration aims to form an advanced Earth observation constellation, with the ability to combine radar and optical sensors.

In this strategic partnership, both companies will work together to implement an end-to-end monitoring system, covering space and ground segments in Indonesia. 

This Earth Observation Constellation will include seamlessly integrated optical and radar satellites, operated through a multi-mission ground segment. Just so you know, Indonesia has previously ordered as many as 13 advanced radar units from Thales, which are of the Ground Master 400 Alfa (GM 400 alfa) type in mid-2023.

In this collaboration, there is a contribution from another party, namely from Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo 67%, and Thales 33%. 

The Earth Observation to be operated by Thales Alenia Space, is supported by artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure a fast system response and enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. 

Meanwhile, in this collaboration, PT Len will be responsible for the operation of this constellation, in line with the security and territorial sovereignty requirements desired by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense.

Simultaneously with Thales Alenia Space, and PT Len will develop a versatile multi-mission ground segment system. 

This system will handle control, maintenance, data processing, and analysis functions for the Defense Satellite System. 

In addition, PT Len will facilitate the Ministry of Defense's access to the frequently visiting Earth observation satellite constellation through a strategic partnership with BlackSky. 

This service will provide early ISR satellite capabilities for the Ministry of Defense and the Indonesian National Army before the full operation of the Defense Satellite System.

This Indonesian Earth Observation Constellation will be built based on the all-in-one radar and optical offer from Thales Alenia Space, utilizing their expertise in providing complex end-to-end systems. 

This approach also involves major blocks from Telespazio for the ground segment. This constellation will utilize the optical sensor capabilities of Thales Alenia Space in France, as well as the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite expertise of Thales Alenia Space in Italy.

Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, stated that it is an honor to have the opportunity to work on this vital program for the Indonesian Ministry of Defense. 

He hopes this collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing Indonesia's capabilities in Earth observation and national defense, emphasizing the strength of international cooperation in space exploration.

Bobby Rasyidin, President and Director of PT Len Industri (Persero) also expressed his optimism about the collaboration between Len and Thales Alenia Space. 

“The collaboration between PT Len and Thales Alenia Space is a positive way to increase our independence in the defense industry,” he said.

Through this collaboration, PT Len hopes to strengthen its ability to manage and operate satellite systems and projects. 

In addition, by handling the processing and analysis of satellite images for this project, PT Len will strengthen its position as a provider of important defense systems in Indonesia.