Thales Delivers First Two GM403 Radars To Indonesia
THALES officially delivered the first pair of GM403 radars to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) in a handover ceremony on May 18 at Perdanakusuma base in Jakarta. The ceremony was attended by president Prabowo Subianto alongside defence minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) chief General Agus Subiyanto, and TNI-AU chief Air Chief Marshal Tonny Harjono.
Leveraging close to five decades of cooperation with the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), this ceremony highlights Thales’ deep commitment to delivering strategic air surveillance projects for the benefit of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence, alongside strategic partner PT Len Industri.
With air surveillance of critical importance in maintaining air superiority, Indonesia procured 13 units of the Thales Ground Master (GM) 403 long-range air surveillance radars in 2023 for the TNI-AU, with Thales working in partnership with PT Len Industri. The radars are linked to Thales Air C4I systems (SkyView) providing a holistic operational picture of the Indonesian airspace for early detection of threats, while providing real-time situational awareness to the Air Force. The first two radars were delivered to Indonesia starting in 2025 and the remaining 11 radars will be delivered within the next 12 months.
The official ceremony not only celebrated the delivery of strategic defence equipment but also highlights the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s renewed trust in PT Len Industri and Thales. Both partners have established a credible installed base of long-range surveillance radars in Indonesia, rooted in ambitious transfers of technology and long-term support capabilities. Given the quantity of complex threats and the archipelagic geography of Indonesia, building a reliable air picture is paramount, while also tackling the challenges of interoperability between systems.
Ultimately, this partnership sparks new momentum between PT Len Industri and Thales to develop sovereign air surveillance C2 opportunities, new radar technologies, transfers-of-expertise to Indonesia and long-term support of radars in use by the Indonesian Armed Forces.
Thales senior vice president Asia & Latin America Guy Bonassi said, “Indonesia and France have enjoyed a strong partnership in recent years with each party bringing complementary strengths to support Indonesia’s defence sector. We are proud to have delivered the first two radars to Indonesia, and we want to strengthen this winning partnership further. By building up local knowledge and expertise, strengthening industrial capabilities and ensuring maintenance and support close to the end-users, we are committed to driving Indonesia’s sovereign defence ambitions.” –shp/adj/dl (Pix:THALES)