Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia has signed for 12 Kizilelma drones with options for 48 more, rounding the total up to five squadrons of drones. (Photo: Baykar)
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
Indonesia and Turkey’s relationship as strategic defence industry partners continues to strengthen, with the latest deal for Baykar’s Bayraktar Kizilelma uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) adding to Indonesia’s string of Turkish-made platform buys.
On 7 May, Baykar confirmed it had signed an agreement with Indonesia’s Republikorp for its Kizilelma drone – the first export contract for the platform.
The agreement to sell the UAV to Indonesia covers the delivery of 12 aircraft, with Republikorp involved in the domestic production of the UAVs and the establishment of a maintenance centre. The deal also includes an option to purchase 48 additional aircraft, equating to four additional
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026]()
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era]()
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
