Spectra to provide SlingShot satcom systems to Indonesian Army

A soldier carrying the SlingShot manpack system. Spectra is supplying an undisclosed number of SlingShot manpack systems to the Indonesian Army. (Spectra Group)

The UK's Spectra Group will supply its SlingShot satellite communication (satcom) systems to the Indonesian Army.

Spectra announced on 7 September that it has partnered with Jakarta-based defence equipment provider, PT Mora Armamen Perkasa, to provide an undisclosed number of SlingShot manpack systems, SlingShot vehicle systems, and SlingShot Tactical Operations Centre Systems (STOCSs) to the Indonesian Army.

The contract – finalised after detailed discussions with specialist and regular forces of the Indonesian Army – marks Spectra's first deal with an Asian military customer, the company said.

A company spokesperson told Janes that Spectra has started delivering the SlingShot systems to the Indonesian Army and expects to complete the deliveries by the end of 2023.

“[PT Mora Armamen Perkasa] will be responsible for training and ongoing support to the [Indonesian Army] and other customers as they come on line,” the spokesperson said.

According to Spectra, the SlingShot system is a small external adaptor that enables existing ultra-high-frequency (UHF) and very-high-frequency (VHF) tactical radios to provide beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) and communications on the move (COTM).

The SlingShot systems use Inmarsat's commercial L-band Tactical Satellite (L-TAC) to create a tactical net over thousands of kilometres and facilitate a range of tactical and operational network capabilities, Spectra added.

Spectra said the Inmarsat L-TAC service will be leased to the Indonesian Army for two years, under the current contract.