Game-Changing Deal: Indonesia Acquires 60 Bayraktar TB3 and 9 Bayraktar Akıncı UCAVs, Paving the Way for Domestic Assembly

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In a landmark move set to reshape the defense landscape of Southeast Asia, Indonesian and Turkish defense companies have sealed a pivotal agreement to forge a joint venture, spearheading the production, assembly, and maintenance of cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in the region.

The agreement—sealed in the presence of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto—ushers in a new era of defense collaboration, paving the way for Indonesia’s acquisition of up to 60 cutting-edge Bayraktar TB3 UCAVs and nine formidable Bayraktar Akıncı UCAVs.

Erdoğan, currently on a three-nation working visit, arrived in Indonesia yesterday following his visit to Malaysia.

After concluding his engagements in Indonesia, the Turkish president is set to visit Pakistan before returning to Istanbul.

The collaboration involves Baykar Technologies, the manufacturer of the Bayraktar TB3 and Bayraktar Akıncı UCAVs, and Republikorp, an Indonesian defense company.

The Bayraktar TB3 is the latest variant of the combat-proven Bayraktar TB2, which has been deployed in various conflict zones, including Nagorno-Karabakh, Syria, and Ukraine.

A significant portion of the Bayraktar TB3 and Akıncı UCAVs acquired by Indonesia is expected to be manufactured or assembled at newly established facilities in the country, as part of the cooperation between Baykar and Republikorp.

Beyond strengthening diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Türkiye, the partnership will enhance Indonesia’s defense industry capabilities, allowing the country to develop greater self-reliance in defense system production, particularly in drone technology.

Türkiye is among the world’s leading producers of combat drones.

Baykar Technology CEO Haluk Bayraktar stated that the company would provide technology transfer, production assistance, and training programs as part of the collaboration.

Meanwhile, Republikorp Chairman Norman Joesoef emphasized that they would focus on developing local infrastructure and licensing Indonesian specialists to support the initiative.

The Bayraktar TB3 is designed to operate from short-runway aircraft carriers, such as the TCG Anadolu, and features foldable wings to facilitate storage and operations aboard naval vessels.

With an endurance of more than 24 hours, the Bayraktar TB3 can be equipped with a wide range of weapon systems, including:

• L-UMTAS (Long-Range Anti-Tank Missile System)

• MAM-C, MAM-L, and MAM-T smart micro munitions

• Roketsan Cirit 70mm laser-guided missiles

• TÜBİTAK-SAGE BOZOK, TOGAN, and KUZGUN munitions

The Bayraktar TB3 has a 14-meter wingspan and an 8-meter fuselage length. It is designed for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and strike missions, making it a highly valuable asset in modern military operations.

In December 2023, the Bayraktar TB3 set a new endurance record, successfully completing a 32-hour flight covering a distance of 5,700 km.

The short takeoff and landing (STOL) Bayraktar TB3 was publicly unveiled at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul during Türkiye’s premier technology exhibition, Teknofest, held from April 27 to May 1, 2023, in conjunction with Türkiye’s 100th Republic Day celebrations.

Weighing 5,500 kg at takeoff, the Bayraktar Akıncı can reach altitudes of 40,000 feet and has an operational endurance of over 20 hours.

It is equipped with multiple advanced sensor and electronic systems, including:

• Electro-Optic/Infrared/Laser Designation (EO/IR/LD) sensors

• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) multi-mode radar

• Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) systems

These capabilities enable the Akıncı UCAV to conduct highly effective ISR missions.

In addition to ISR operations, the Bayraktar Akıncı can also be armed with an extensive arsenal of precision-guided munitions, including:

• MAM-C, MAM-L, and MAM-T smart munitions

• Roketsan Cirit guided rockets

• L-UMTAS and Bozok guided missiles

• MK-81, MK-82, and MK-83 bombs

• SOM-A cruise missile

• Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Türkiye-Indonesia defense relations, positioning Indonesia as a key player in the regional UCAV industry while reinforcing Türkiye’s status as a global leader in drone warfare technology.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA