Indonesia commits to Baykar Bayraktar TB2 UAS
The Bayraktar TB2 is in service with more than two dozen countries but mostly in small numbers. (Photo: Baykar)
Indonesia has committed to purchasing Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 medium-altitude long-endurance UAS, a system already operated by 27 countries. The system will operate alongside the CH-4 and Anka UAS.
The announcement was made by Indonesia’s Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohammad Tonny Harjono who had visited the Baykar factory in Turkey in June.
The Anka was ordered by Indonesia in February 2023 under a US$300 million contract to acquire 12 Anka UAS from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The Anka UAS are expected to be delivered before October 2025 and PT Dirgantara Indonesia will produce half a dozen platforms domestically as part of a technology transfer agreement.
In 2019, Indonesia ordered the CH-4 from China and now operates six platforms. The platforms can operate as strike assets and are also equipped with SATCOM data links and at least are configured for ELINT missions.
While details of the potential TB2 deal were not disclosed, Shephard Defence Insight estimates nine military off-the-shelf units could be acquired for the Indonesian military, a deal which would cost an estimated US$48.42 million.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap
Participation in the French-led programme could provide India with access to sixth-generation technologies but force difficult choices over AMCA, TEDBF and indigenous propulsion development.
-
Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.
-
Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles
The missile programmes form part of a broader effort to strengthen Canadian air-combat readiness as the RCAF transitions from the CF-188 to the F-35A and rebuilds its operational weapons stocks.
-
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.