Airbus's Stratospheric Drone Business Inks MoU for Indonesian Connectivity Services

By Mauro Orru

Aalto HAPS, an Airbus unit developing high-altitude drones that offer mobile connectivity and Earth observation services, said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesian telecommunications company Dayamitra Telekomunikasi to explore how its technology could be used to provide connectivity services in the country.

Aalto HAPS makes solar-powered, fixed-wing drones that operate above 60,000 feet. Known as Zephyr, these high-altitude platform stations, or HAPS, can be fitted with payloads that provide 5G connectivity as well as services such as wildfire prevention and border control via Earth observation.

The drones aren't designed to go through storms, and Aalto is looking to establish a presence in countries with favorable weather patterns.

Dayamitra Telekomunikasi's Chief Executive, Theodorus Ardi Hartoko, said the group was open to adopting new technologies to bolster its network as the Indonesian government seeks to expand internet and connectivity services across the country.

Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 06, 2024 06:39 ET (10:39 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.