Lockheed Martin and Indonesian technology firm PT CMI Teknologi (CMI) recently completed a production readiness review that qualifies CMI to begin in-country manufacturing for the TPS-77 and FPS-117 long-range surveillance radars.

Lockheed Martin and CMI are jointly pursuing the National Airspace Surveillance - Republic of Indonesia (NASRI) program, with the intent to produce more than 20 new radars to improve airspace surveillance, safety, and management over the Indonesian Archipelago in support of the government's defense revitalization initiative.

"The success of the production readiness review shows that CMI's workforce is ready to begin the assembly of radar row receivers, which is a major step in the qualification process," said James Gribbon, Asia Pacific regional president for Lockheed Martin.

"These are key assemblies in the solid-state design and L-band operation of these high-performing radars that are already operating in 25 countries around the world."

The production readiness review is the latest step in supporting the Indonesian government's efforts to greatly enhance air sovereignty and surveillance over the country's more than 17,000 islands, and to expand Indonesia's industrial capabilities.

Data feeds from the new network will also enhance civilian air traffic control, including commercial air traffic management, which is currently handled by radars in nearby Singapore. PT CMI Teknologi of Bandung, Indonesia, is a small, privately owned technology company specializing in microwave design and manufacturing.

The company currently holds contracts for the development and support of Indonesian military radar systems. Lockheed Martin signed a teaming agreement with CMI earlier this year and in August Lockheed Martin issued a subcontract to CMI to begin the qualification process in building radar row receivers.

Lockheed Martin has produced more than 170 long-range radars, all of which are operational around the world surveying air targets at ranges up to 250 miles. Capable of operating completely unmanned, many have performed for years in remote, inhospitable areas and in a wide range of operational environments for decades. None has ever been taken out of service.