The Indonesian Air Force has significantly upgraded its air defense capabilities with the operational deployment of the Leonardo RAT 31DL/M 3D deployable long-range radar system. This state-of-the-art radar, developed by the Italian company Leonardo SpA, is now strengthening the 221st Radar Unit at Ngliyep, Malang, East Java. The RAT 31 DL/M replaces the older AWS-2 radar, which was manufactured by Plessey, UK, thus marking a significant technological leap for the Air Force. The acquisition of the RAT 31 DL/M radar was made possible through a contract signed between PT Len Industri and Leonardo SpA at the Defense & Security Expo in 2019. This advanced radar system offers a surveillance range of up to 400 kilometers, providing critical early warning capabilities. It also serves as a Command and Control Interface (CCI) to guide fighter jets toward targets.
One of the key features of the RAT 31 DL/M is its ability to operate in the L-band frequency, commonly used by NATO countries. The radar boasts an impressive antenna size of 77 m², with dimensions of 11 meters by 7 meters, and a rotation speed of 6 RPM, completing a full rotation every 10 seconds. Its power requirement is 84 kW, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure to support its operation. The deployable long-range radar system capabilities encompass range, azimuth, and height detection, making it a versatile tool for comprehensive airspace monitoring. It can detect objects up to an altitude of 30,500 meters, providing a wide area of coverage. Moreover, the radar is equipped with Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) capabilities, enabling it to counter electronic warfare threats effectively, including the detection of ballistic missiles.
The RAT 31 DL/M is housed in two 20ft ISO containers, which can be loaded on two commercial cross-country trucks, and one auxiliary power generator allowing at least 24 hours autonomy, which can be mounted on a trailer. While its worldwide employment record guarantees for reliable use and long life support, the RAT 31DL/M is continuously updated with state-of-the-art technological solutions to meet even more demanding operational needs. The radar is highly reliable due to its total solid state technology and its graceful degradation characteristics. The RAT 31DL/M can be airlifted and deployed in remote areas without requiring any special loading/unloading equipment.
The logistical effort to deliver the RAT 31 DL/M deployable long-range radar system from Italy to Indonesia in January 2023 was significant. Weighing 30 tons, the radar required meticulous handling and heightened security during loading and unloading operations in Milan, Luxembourg, and Jakarta. SGI Logistics, the company responsible for transporting the radar, ensured that the process was executed with the utmost care, given the radar’s advanced and sensitive technology. The deployment of the Leonardo RAT 31 DL/M radar is a critical component of Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its national defense infrastructure. This system not only bolsters the Air Force’s capability to detect and respond to aerial threats but also strengthens the country’s overall strategic defense posture in the region.
