Thales to build multi-satellite constellation for Indonesian defense purposes. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space will build an Earth observation constellation with radar and optical sensors for the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD), under a deal announced Thursday. State-owned technology company PT Len awarded Thales the contract and will operate the Defense Satellite System for MoD sovereignty requirements. 

The satellites will be built on the existing Thales radar and optical offering. Telespazio will contribute to the ground segment. In addition, PT Len will develop a multi-mission ground segment system to provide control, maintenance, data processing, and analytic functions for the Defense Satellite System.

PT Len is also signing a deal with BlackSky to give the MoD access to its high revisit Earth observation constellation. This service will provide satellite-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for the MoD and Indonesian National Armed Forces while the Thales constellation is being built. 

“Thales Alenia Space, which has a long history of working with Indonesian satellite operators, is honored to be given the opportunity to work on a crucial program for the Indonesian Defense Ministry for the first time” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “Leveraging our long-standing expertise in Earth observation, we are proud to celebrate a new milestone towards Indonesia’s sovereignty and safety needs, providing a one-of-a-kind integrated optical and radar system.”