Indonesian and Turkish defense companies have joined hands to build the next version of Türkiye’s Kizilelma autonomous combat aircraft. The partnership aims to strengthen defense technology cooperation between the two countries.
Indonesia’s defense company Republikorp and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar signed the agreement during the SAHA 2026 Defence and Aerospace Exhibition held in Istanbul this week.
As part of the deal, Indonesia will also become the first foreign country to buy the new Kizilelma fighter jets, marking a major step in the aircraft’s international expansion.
The agreement aims to improve the development and operations of the Kizilelma drones starting in 2028. It also includes sharing technology, providing training, working together on advanced defense research, and setting up local production and maintenance centers.
“This collaboration is a continuation of the Joint Venture Agreement that began in 2025 for the local production of the Bayraktar TB3 and AKINCI in Indonesia. The partnership has now expanded to building a sustainable aerospace industry ecosystem and developing a next-generation UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle),” Republikorp said in a statement.
“This is a concrete boost to Indonesia’s defense self-reliance. The timing is especially notable as Turkey has just unveiled its first intercontinental ballistic missile, underscoring the maturity of Turkey’s indigenous defense ecosystem,” defense and military expert Connie Rahakundini Bakrie told Arab News on Friday.
Defense and military expert Connie Rahakundini Bakrie said the partnership between Indonesia and Türkiye comes at the right time, as countries in the region are increasing military modernization and facing growing geopolitical competition.
The partnership was announced shortly after Türkiye revealed its first intercontinental ballistic missile, called Yildirimhan, at the SAHA 2026 exhibition.
According to reports, the missile can travel up to 6,000 kilometers and reach speeds as high as Mach 25.
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