(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Indonesia has confirmed the acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) from Turkey’s Baykar Technology.
This confirmation was made by the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Mohamad Tommy Harjono, recently in Jakarta, following his visit to Turkey in June, where he also toured Baykar Technology.
During his visit to Baykar Technology, Harjono conducted an in-depth review of the Bayraktar TB2’s capabilities, which have been proven in various global conflicts.
While in Turkey, he also assessed the suitability of the Bayraktar TB2 for the Indonesian military.
Harjono confirmed that the Indonesian Air Force will acquire the Bayraktar TB2, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UCAV that entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in 2014.
He stated that this UCAV is well-suited for surveillance and reconnaissance operations, providing a significant advantage in Indonesia’s air defense system.
The Bayraktar TB2 can fly continuously for 27 hours and is equipped with advanced electronic systems and weaponry, including anti-tank missiles.
Due to its proven effectiveness in various conflicts, the demand for the Bayraktar TB2 has surged, with Baykar Technology revealing that there is now at least a three-year wait for new orders.
Indonesia is set to integrate the Bayraktar TB2 with its existing fleet of drones, including the “ANKA” from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and the Chinese-made CH-4.
This acquisition makes Indonesia the 29th or 30th country to procure the Turkish-made UCAV, which is renowned worldwide.
In February last year, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense decided to acquire two types of UCAVs from Turkey: the Bayraktar TB2 and the ANKA, for use across all branches of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
According to an online report by the Indonesian newspaper Republika, a source from the Ministry of Defense confirmed the purchase of both UCAVs for the TNI.
The Ministry of Finance has agreed to the Ministry of Defense’s request to finance the purchase of these Turkish-made UCAVs through foreign loans.
The acquisition is part of 16 weapon system procurement programs approved for foreign financing in 2023.
The report states that the Indonesian Ministry of Defense has authorized the air force to secure loans up to US$200 million (RM80 million) for the UCAVs and up to US$38 million (RM152 million) for their weapon systems.
The Indonesian Air Force is also expected to acquire MAM-L missiles developed by ROKETSAN to be paired with the UCAVs from Turkey. — DSA