Schiebel Looking To Expand Presence Across Indonesia
AUSTRIAN Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) manufacturer Schiebel are looking to further expand the firm’s presence in Indonesia and beyond by offering their Camcopter S-100. As a vast archipelagic nation spanning thousands of islands, Indonesia is a prime example of where Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 can greatly reinforce the capabilities of both the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) and even the Indonesian Coast Guard’s (BAKAMLA) capabilities in securing the nation’s maritime domain.
Schiebel has continually enhanced the platform’s mission profiles and regulatory credentials, making the Camcopter S-100 a potent force multiplier in contested and complex maritime environments. The TNI-AL’s 700 Squadron Air Wing 2 has already been operating one Camcopter S-100, the platform entering service in October 2023 after the training of operators was completed.
The highly versatile multi-mission Camcopter S-100 was designed to operate without a prepared runway or launch and recovery equipment and excels in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions across both military and civilian sectors. Capable of carrying various payloads and sensors including EO/IR (electro-optical/infra-red) cameras, radar, LiDAR and electronic warfare systems, the Camcopter S-100 offers navies, coast guards, police and other government agencies a flexible and reliable aerial solution for a broad spectrum of operational needs.
Last year, the Camcopter S-100 showcased its enhanced multi-mission capabilities during the NATO-supported REPMUS 2024 exercise, hosted by the Portuguese Navy. Collaborating with Thales and sponsored by the Royal Navy, the S-100 executed missions encompassing ISR, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), mine countermeasures (MCM) and rapid environmental assessment (REA).
Notably, the S-100 demonstrated an upgraded sonobuoy dispenser system, deploying both A-size and G-size sonobuoys to establish an ASW barrier. A second S-100, equipped with Thales’ BlueTracker communications payload, relayed sonobuoy signals back to the ground station in real-time, extending operational range and providing integrated ASW capabilities.
For MCM and REA missions, the S-100 was outfitted with Riegl’s VQ-860-G and VUX-120 LiDAR systems, enabling simultaneous bathymetric and topographic mapping. This capability is crucial for detecting sea mines and supporting amphibious operations. The missions were managed using Thales’ M-Cube Mission Management System, ensuring seamless integration and coordination.
Beyond military applications, the Camcopter S-100 has been instrumental in enhancing maritime safety and environmental monitoring, racking up over 1,780 deployment days across Europe since 2018, assisting EU member states in maritime surveillance and emission monitoring activities.
In a significant regulatory milestone, the Camcopter S-100 received the first-ever Design Verification Report (DVR) from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System. This certification underscores the S-100’s airworthiness, safety and compliance with stringent operational standards.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:ADJ, TNI-AL)